Van Dijk calls for consistency after “difficult” draw with Man City

Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk thinks the Reds’ performance on Sunday forced visitors Manchester City to respect them.

City were noticeably reserved in their attack at Anfield, particularly in the first half, which van Dijk believes shows how much Pep Guardiola has come to esteem Liverpool’s attack.

However, the Dutchman claims that consistency over the course of the season against every club is what Liverpool need to remain contenders.

“Obviously they were a bit cautious of the way we played and I think we have earned that respect,” said van Dijk, as quoted by ITV.

“We made it difficult for them and they made it difficult for us at times but that’s how it is.

“But I think it is not about these games, it is all about the other games, the difficult games which we have against mid-table and lower teams.

“We want to get as close as possible and do as well as we can but we know it is going to be hard.

“We’ve had a great start to the season and we want to keep it going.”

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LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool celebrates victory with Georginio Wijnaldum of Liverpool after the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium on September 15, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

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The Netherlands captain was at fault for the late penalty awarded to City, but fortunately Riyad Mahrez’s shot ballooned into Row Z. Van Dijk was, understandably, relieved.

“I think to keep a clean sheet after a penalty in the last five minutes makes me a very happy man,” said van Dijk.

“Eighty-five minutes, you obviously get a bit fatigued, and that moment goes by in a split second and I decided to dive in, which is not what I would normally do.

“It was a decision I made and hopefully it will be the last time I make that decision at that time.

“We aim to improve every game and we want to win every game.

“After the international break there are three important games against Huddersfield, Red Star and Cardiff so we want to be ready for that.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com