NewsVirgil van Dijk: We have to enjoy this and see what it brings

A 2-0 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday night moved Arne Slot’s side five points clear at the top of the table, with a 15th win in 17 matches in all competitions this season.

Darwin Nunez had put the hosts in front midway through the first half, and Mohamed Salah then sealed the three points six minutes from the end at Anfield.

The result wrapped up a hugely positive spell between the October and November international breaks for the Reds, who also maintained a 100 per cent record in the Champions League and qualified for the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Speaking to reporters about Liverpool’s progress since a stuttering conclusion to 2023-24, the captain said: “We should have learned from last year. If you don’t learn then it doesn’t bring you any further.

“We’re only in November but I see us dealing with difficult moments pretty well [so far].

“We had a couple of games where we bounced back after going behind. The mentality of the boys to turn it around was amazing.

“Maybe towards the end of a season the pressure is higher. Then everyone has to be there and step up. I can’t predict how the last part of the season will go. But so far, so good.

“For me it’s quite easy to say, but I just want to enjoy it. Go out there, all of us are privileged and blessed to be playing for Liverpool and have players around you with so much quality. Let’s see what it brings.”

Salah’s contributions to the defeat of Villa took the Egyptian to a remarkable 10 goals and 10 assists already this season.

With 221 strikes overall for the club, he is now bearing down on the top three of all time, chasing Billy Liddell (228 in fourth) and Gordon Hodgson (241 in third).

“Special player,” said Van Dijk. “He’s been like that for so many years, not just this year.

“I see the hard work he puts in on a daily basis. It’s how consistent he is, especially with his numbers but with his performances as well.

“He’s a special athlete, a special player and a legend of the club. I’m very pleased that we still share a pitch together.”