Virgil van Dijk insists he completely understands Jurgen Klopp’s decision to rotate his Liverpool squad in recent weeks – and has a stark warning for anyone who questions his methods.
The Reds altered their line-up for a third successive match on Saturday evening as Daniel Sturridge scored a late beauty to preserve the Reds’ unbeaten start to the Premier League season in a 1-1 draw at Chelsea.
While the substitute’s impact drew widespread praise from Klopp, the striker might have considered himself unfortunate to have only started the match from the bench, having also netted in the midweek Carabao Cup loss to the Londoners.
Sturridge, along with summer signings Xherdan Shaqiri and Naby Keita have found themselves in and out of Klopp’s starting XIs, while another recruit, Fabinho, has had to stay even more patient.
Beyond that, Nathaniel Clyne, Alberto Moreno, Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana, Dominic Solanke and Divock Origi have all only made one appearance or less in the opening nine games.
And while none of Liverpool’s squad men have publicly questioned the manager, or asked to be given more gametime by Klopp, Van Dijk has told any player disgruntled by his selections to like it or lump it.
“You have to [understand], otherwise you better leave,” the towering Dutchman, who has missed out just once this season, said.
“We all want one thing, we all want to be successful, everyone, and we need everyone’s help.
“It’s a long season with a lot of games, we need everyone and everyone knows that as well.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk backed Mohamed Salah, insisting he is unconcerned about the forward’s somewhat slow start to the season.
Salah is yet to hit top form, despite scoring three goals and assisting one in seven Premier League games.
While the Egypt international has endured a frustrating start, Van Dijk said only a bit of luck was missing for Salah.
“We are seven games in and Mo’s working hard. He’s still the same Mo, and he needs a bit of luck as well,” the centre-back said.
“I’m not worried at all, and he should not be worried either. We do it all together, we’ll always be there for him and he’ll deliver as well.
“He had a tough game against Chelsea [in a 1-1 draw], but it’s part of football.”
While Salah is yet to get to his best, Daniel Sturridge has scored twice in just 24 minutes in the Premier League.
The Englishman came off the bench to score a stunning equaliser for Liverpool against Chelsea on Saturday.
Van Dijk said he never doubted Sturridge and he believes the forward is ready for an England recall.
“I don’t think there should be any doubt he’s good enough,” he said. “But it’s all about the manager [Gareth Southgate], he made the choices.
“But I know what he’s capable of, how good he can be and when he’s at his best, by playing against him and seeing him in training with the hard work that he puts in and the positivity that he brings as well.
“But it’s the manager’s choice and I hope for the best for him.”