Reaction'Important win, keep working' - Virgil van Dijk's message after Bournemouth 0-1 Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk called on Liverpool to maintain focus following an ‘important win’ at AFC Bournemouth that continued their unbeaten start to the season.
A second-half goal by Alexander Isak earned the Reds a 1-0 victory at Vitality Stadium on Sunday in their final outing before the international break.
Andoni Iraola has won four and drawn three of his seven matches in charge across all competitions but Van Dijk believes it important to avoid getting carried away with an encouraging opening to the campaign.
The captain told Sky Sports post-match: “Hopefully [this team can be] very good, but let’s all stay calm and keep working and don’t get ahead of ourselves.
“This was an important win at a difficult ground, they obviously make it very uncomfortable for you. The pitch was pretty dry today so you had to be a little bit more direct and win your battles.
“At times we could have done a lot better but [we] come away with three points [and] a clean sheet. Everyone is off to their countries now and then look after yourself.”
Jeremy Jacquet again impressed alongside Van Dijk at the heart of the Reds’ back line and was voted Player of the Match in our poll of supporters.
The skipper said of his young defensive partner: “I think he showed a lot of good things so far this season.
“Still so young, still has a lot to learn, a lot to give, so let’s just all stay calm. He had a very good game, very good season so far, and keep it going.”
Isak, meanwhile, goes into the international break having scored four goals in five Premier League appearances this season and Van Dijk added: “Obviously it’s very important for players up front to get goals.
“Alex, of course, but everyone is contributing with that. I think Flo [Wirtz] also had a big share in the goal so it’s good as well for that.
“Good win here, clean sheet. Go to the international break now and then we are going to be bracing ourselves for a very, very intense period.”