Virgil Van Dijk Isn’t Concerned with Rest

The imperious center back has indicated that he wants to play all the time.

One of the enduring anxieties for fans around the festive fixture list is the need for rest and rotation. With matches coming thick and fast, the need to ensure that your squad has fresh legs and is able to cope with any minor injuries because this is quite literally an all-hands-on-deck scenario, the thought of rest is not far from any one’s mind.

When approached by the official site for his take on it, though, Liverpool’s world class center back Virgil Van Dijk had quite the take. Namely, that rest wasn’t particularly on his mind.

“I don’t need to rest. Everyone wants to play every game. It’s not like you want to sit on the bench or be in the stand. I just go with it. As long as I’m fit and feel all right then I just keep going and playing.”

This makes sense. Liverpool find themselves owners of their best start in history and a significant - but not too significant, depending on who you talk to - lead in the chase for the Premier League title. Ending what would be a 29 year title drought come this May looks very real.

Standing in their way, of course is Manchester City, who line up against the Reds on Thursday in what many are pegging as a potential decider for the title. If Liverpool win, the odds of anyone catching them - City included - becomes a remote possibility. If the Reds draw, City’s chances improve, but only negligibly. So, in many ways, it does look like quite the important fixture.

With stakes this high, it’s a good thing that Liverpool can see that the end of their festive fixture congestion is that match against City. And, long-term absences and mini-crisis at center back included, the Reds have road a bit of luck in terms of a favorable schedule and the good fortune of not having too many players go down.

Now, the final concern will necessarily be that aforementioned rest. And as our vice captain so clearly put it, it’s not a concern at all.

Well, then.

Looks like all that’s left is the slow countdown to Thursday. Three more sleeps until then. Come on you Reds.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com