Van Dijk Finding Title-Winning Form

After what was a tough start to the season for Liverpool, it looks like key players are starting to find their rhythm. Defensive talisman Virgil van Dijk is just one of those players and with the Reds’ backline starting to shore up, it should bring about more consistently positive results in the bid to win yet more silverware this season.

Early Season Rustiness

It was certainly not the electric start to the campaign the Reds were hoping for, after playing out two stalemates against Fulham and Crystal Palace. Liverpool, who are 11/2 in a bet on Champions League title winners, then suffered a disappointing defeat at Old Trafford. Van Dijk came in for some criticism for the opening goal in that 2-1 defeat but the Dutchman and the Reds responded well.

Liverpool has often found ways to respond after setbacks and that is why they are considered serious title contenders once again in Champions League tips. A 9-0 thumping of newly-promoted Bournemouth followed, along with a late win over Newcastle United and a goalless stalemate in the Merseyside derby.

Just one goal conceded in the three games against the Cherries, Magpies and Toffees represented a vast improvement by the Reds' defence and Van Dijk plays a central role in that. There has been no doubting the 31-year-old's credentials as arguably the best defender in the Premier League. Dips in form happen to all players and manager Jurgen Klopp will be hoping Van Dijk and his team have gotten their dip out of their systems nice and early in the season.

On To Europe

As the Reds look to build up momentum in the Premier League, attention will start to move to European matters. Van Dijk, who has already managed to win the Champions League twice since making the move to Anfield from Southampton in 2018, will be a key figure if Liverpool is to make a return to the final this season. It was a heartbreaking end to the last European campaign with a defeat to Real Madrid in Paris and the Reds will be even more motivated to go all the way this time around.

Liverpool finds themselves in another intriguing group, as they face Ajax, Napoli and Rangers. Ajax has lost some big names over the summer but will still provide a stern test, as will Serie A side Napoli. With the home and away encounters with Rangers, the added element of a “Battle of Britain” will also be interesting to see play out. Liverpool should be confident going into the challenge of reaching the knockout stages, having gained a wealth of experience with tough groups in the past.

Van Dijk continues to be one of the first names on the team sheet for Klopp and the defender’s improving form will raise the Reds’ hopes of more domestic and European titles this season.