ReactionWhy Virgil van Dijk isn't paying attention to the league table

The Reds posted a seventh win in eight games in 2024-25 by overcoming Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 at Molineux on Saturday evening, with Mohamed Salah’s penalty the deciding moment.

The result moved Arne Slot’s team to the top of the Premier League table before they switch attention to matchday two of the Champions League, at home to Bologna on Wednesday night.

Van Dijk is encouraged by the combination of ability and resolve that has been on show from the squad so far, though underlined the necessity for that to continue in the months ahead.

The captain told reporters after the victory against Wolves: “We did better in the second half, in my opinion. In the first half, we scored the 1-0.

“We controlled the game – we poorly gave a goal away – and that obviously could have been dangerous but we scored very quickly after that and that helps. They have to come out a little bit more and then there is a little bit more space to play.

“We have a very good squad – a mixture of experience and talent – and players who are at a very good stage of their career. So it is good to see the way we are playing. Mo was many times in the box and heading balls away and stuff, and that is the kind of commitment we need from everyone.

“So far, so good. But it is only one game and we all realise that. Now we focus on the Champions League.

“Do I pay attention to the table now? No. December is always a crucial month. The teams who go through that well, winning games and having no injuries, have a big chance to be successful. Let’s see.”

Liverpool had taken the lead at Molineux through Ibrahima Konate’s second goal of the campaign, a firm header from Diogo Jota’s cross in first-half added time.

A defensive mix-up later allowed Rayan Ait-Nouri to briefly bring Wolves level, but Slot’s men responded quickly and got back in front courtesy of Salah’s kick.

“We need everyone to be at their best,” continued Van Dijk. “Ibou is an amazing, fantastic player who can still be better.

“He is defensively solid and was a bit unlucky with the goal that we conceded but the qualities he has, he is outstanding.

“He is learning and he is growing, getting better and looking after himself much better, to be ready every three days — and also he has a young player behind him in Jarell [Quansah] who is also a good one, so they keep pushing each other.”

In the middle of the pitch, Ryan Gravenberch claimed the Player of the Match accolade on Saturday with the latest in a string of influential performances for the Reds so far this season.

Speaking about his fellow Dutchman’s form, Van Dijk said: “[My message is] stay fit, keep going, stay grounded, and don’t listen to the praise that much.

“Just stay calm and play well. He is playing with a lot of confidence with and without the ball.

“He has not had a lot of injuries and he is growing into it. He is very important and [Alexis] Mac Allister and [Dominik] Szoboszlai as well. It is a good triangle and they are still growing and learning.”