NewsVirgil van Dijk programme notes: 'We are going to need everybody'

The Reds welcome the in-form Black Cats to Anfield in an 8.15pm GMT kick-off as they look to build on Sunday’s victory over West Ham United.

In his notes for the official matchday programme, Van Dijk writes: “There’s nothing in football like that winning feeling and having taken a step in the right direction down at West Ham on Sunday, we are determined to build on that.

“I said heading into the weekend that we would give everything to work our way out of this difficult period, and I believe the performance we put in down in London underlined that.

“Whether you are in a good moment or a not-so-good moment, it always comes back to the same things: hard work and togetherness. If you give everything and if you do it as a team, the rewards will come sooner or later.

“They came on Sunday, but it is only one game, and we know we need to follow it up now and show some consistency. I hope, however, that you guys can see how much we want to turn things around, and how hard we are willing to work for that.

“We know that things haven’t been so good for us recently, but Sunday was extremely welcome, in terms of both the result and the performance. It was great to see Alexander Isak score his first Premier League goal for the club.

“Alex has not had the easiest time since joining, as I’m sure he would tell you himself, but he has been working extremely hard behind the scenes, and we know the quality he possesses. He is a clinical finisher, and hopefully that was the first of many league goals in a Liverpool shirt.

“I’d also like to mention Joe Gomez, on what was his first league start of the season. I have said many times previously that in order to be successful, we are going to need everybody to be ready to play their part, whether it’s from the start or off the bench. I thought Joey was outstanding on the day, so big credit to him.

“I have to say, too, that the support that you gave us at the weekend was fantastic.

“Like I say, we know we have let ourselves down at times in recent weeks, but the way you guys have stuck with us is both extremely important and hugely appreciated. We will need you again this evening as we take on a Sunderland team that is enjoying a very good season following promotion from the Championship.

“No game in the Premier League is ever easy, and we need to be ready to follow up what we did at West Ham, to stay humble and to go again. That means, first and foremost, doing the basics – competing, running hard, defending as a team – and then hopefully letting our quality shine through.

“Our last two games at Anfield were extremely disappointing, and we can’t ignore that. We know that you deserve a lot better than what you saw against Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven, and that is what we intend to show you tonight.

“Let’s do this. Together.”

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