Virgil van Dijk believes last season's setbacks could serve as an incentive for Liverpool to push for trophies in 2025.
The Reds suffered a disappointing end to their previous season, finishing third in the Premier League after crashing out of the title race and crashing out of the Europa League at the quarter-finals.
But this season, Liverpool are in a much stronger position. They currently lead the Premier League by six points and boast a perfect record in the Champions League.
Van Dijk spoke of the team's calm and focused approach, praising their work ethic and team mentality as they continue to compete on multiple fronts under Arne Slott.
“I think you have to learn from the difficult moments and the moments that don’t go your way,” he said after Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Lille.
“Most of the players in the dressing room now have experience from last year and that should make you better, make you aware of how to deal with certain situations and circumstances, and you should be better equipped. Let's see.
Securing our place in the round of 16 ✅✨ pic.twitter.com/lNQNouysss
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 21, 2025
“At the moment, I look at our team and we are very calm, working to do our best every day, every game, we need everyone to be fit, healthy and fit and that is the goal.
“Going into each game with a game-by-game mentality. That's how it's always been. It's a beautiful journey, and I think you should enjoy it too and I definitely will.
Liverpool's performance has not gone unnoticed. Brentford manager Thomas Frank recently described the Reds as “the best team in the world”, a claim backed by Lille striker Jonathan David.
For Van Dijk, this praise is a testament to the team's efforts. He added: “I think this confirms that we are on the right track.”
“We work hard every game to be a tough team to beat.
“When other managers praise you, not only for the way you attack but also for the way you defend as well as the combination and bodies you bring back behind the ball, that's a good sign and credit for all the hard work that everyone and everyone has put in. That's the only thing you should We learn from him and other than that, just focus on doing it and staying consistent.
