Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

van Dijk ‘dreams’ of Liverpool quadruple but stays grounded; gives Villarreal verdict

Virgil van Dijk captains Liverpool

Virgil van Dijk has spoken about Liverpool’s quadruple chances and the threat posed by Villarreal in his Monday press conference.

The Reds are back in action on Tuesday night when they host rivals Manchester United at Anfield. Victory will be important if Jurgen Klopp’s side are to overtake Manchester City and lift the Premier League title.

Liverpool had a successful weekend, beating City 3-2 at Wembley to reach the FA Cup final. They will face Chelsea for the domestic trophy, in a repeat of February’s Carabao Cup final.

And Liverpool are also in the Champions League semis after winning 6-4 on aggregate against Benfica in the last eight. They will face Unai Emery’s Villarreal, who have been very impressive over the past 18 months.

Liverpool have the chance to become the first English team to win the quadruple. van Dijk admits this is a ‘dream’ of his, although it will certainly not be easy.

“All this talk about quadruple or treble is from the outside world and could put extra pressure on us,” the centre-back told reporters.

Virgil van Dijk labels quadruple ‘almost impossible’

“Nobody did the quadruple, there is a reason for it – because it is almost impossible to do.

“It’s something that everyone would dream about, to win every competition you participate in, but we will see what it brings.”

van Dijk also reiterated City’s advantage over Liverpool in the league and gave his verdict on Villarreal.

“City are still in the pole position in the league, we are facing Villarreal in the Champions League, who are going to be very difficult,” he said.

Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah Liverpool v Arsenal August 2019

“Anything can happen, with other teams as well. We just take it day by day and game by game.

“It’s also not something that we take for granted that everyone is fit.”

The Netherlands international is back to his best after suffering a major ACL injury last year. And he is relishing the opportunity to play in so many competitions and chase multiple trophies.

“I was not a great player back in the days, I was quite a late bloomer. That’s why I enjoy my career even more,” van Dijk admitted.

“For me, coming back from the injury having seen everything from the sideline last year, to be in all competitions still is something I won’t take for granted.

“I’ve played almost over 50 games this season, so that is something I won’t take for granted.

“I just want to keep it going, stay fit, win games and see what it brings and get ready for the World Cup as well.”

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