Trent Alexander Arnold and Virgil Van Dijk
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Virgil Van Dijk admits Brighton had a surprise element with new manager in thrilling draw #LFC

October 4, 2022
But he recognised Reds were again caused problems by a “good” Seagulls side who created plenty of chances. He said things could have been worse for his side as they emerged with a 3-3 draw. Two Van Dijk headers from set-pieces gave the Reds their narrow win over Albion at Anfield three years ago. Since then, the Seagulls have won one and drawn two in front of the Kop. They continued that fine record under the guidance of new boss Roberto De Zerbi. Van Dijk was given a torrid time at the back as Liverpool conceded three at home in the league for the first time since losing 4-1 to Manchester City in February, 2021. He said: “We tried to find out really what they were doing because obviously it was a new manager, so we had no idea really what to expect. “But they started fast, scoring two goals quickly. “In the end we fight back, 3-2 and then you have to make sure you take it over the line because they were good today. “They created chances, made it very difficult for us, and we concede.” Van Dijk spoke about the problems Albion caused from a Liverpool perspective. He said: “A lot of runners in behind, not much pressure on the ball, things we have to do much better. “We say we all do it together, we attack together and we did that obviously very well against Ajax, and we did that well in a couple of moments, but Brighton are a very good side. “I think if you look at the results we have had against them over the years, a lot of them were close, it was always difficult. “But today definitely it was they were in a good moment and made it very difficult for us, and also could have actually gone worse.” Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said his side could have won but did not deserve to. He admitted: “I cannot say I was 100% convinced that we would not concede a goal when we were 3-2 up. “We should defend all three goals better, no doubt about that, but in different areas, not just in the last moment. “The 3-3 feels like a defeat even though it is not, and we have to fight through this.” It was almost a dream debut for new Seagulls boss De Zerbi, who said: “I am very happy for the game. Very proud. We played a very good game. We had the possibility to score more.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl reveals Mohammed Salisu goal to emulate Virgil van Dijk #SAINTSFC

November 27, 2021
RALPH Hasenhuttl responded to Mohammed Salisu’s target of becoming like former Saints Virgil van Dijk saying: “He still has a way to go, but there’s no reason why he couldn’t learn it.” The Dutch former Saints centre-back has gone on to become one of the world’s most respected defenders since he signed from Celtic and moved on to Liverpool. He has won the Premier League and Champions League with current club and Saints' upcoming opponents Liverpool, as well as captaining the Netherlands’ national team. What makes van Dijk so feared is his stature, speed and rigidity paired with proficiency on the ball like that of a ball-playing midfielder. Hasenhuttl says the latter is the area in which Salisu needs to improve if he wishes to emulate the Dutchman’s skill-set. He said: “It shows you how much he (Salisu) had to learn that it took so long until he was an option for the starting XI. “Especially with the ball, he can develop massively. He did it so far. “When you speak about van Dijk with his long balls and calmness on the ball, he still has a way to go. “But there’s no reason why he couldn’t learn it. Hasenhuttl continued: “A good thing is that in the centre-back position the older you get, the better you get because of the more experience you get. “This is definitely a player that showed this season that he deserved to play from the beginning and I’m very happy with his progress.”
Conor Coady
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PremierLeagueStories: #MarkLawrenson tells #JurgenKlopp to pay ‘big money’ for Wolves captain #ConorCoady #WWFC #WolvesFC

October 27, 2020
Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson believes Wolves captain Conor Coady is a 'ready-made' replacement for Virgil van Dijk. The Premier League champions will be without star defender van Dijk for the foreseeable future after he suffered a serious knee injury in the 2-2 draw with Everton. A number of players have been suggested as possible replacements for van Dijk, including Coady, and Lawrenson believes Wolves' ever-present skipper is a good shout. "I would think Virgil will be out for the season," Lawrenson told the Argus. "I think it’s a write-off because you’ve got to get match fit and that’s almost impossible nowadays because they don’t play reserve team football. Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon8Cancel "If Liverpool are going to pay big money for somebody in January, they want absolutely ready-made. Conor Coady has had loads of shouts and he is a very good organiser who has played lots of games in the Premier League." Coady, who is a lifelong Liverpool fan and came through their academy, will always have a soft spot for the Reds but he delighted Wolves supporters with his response to a wind up from Jamie Carragher recently. Speaking to Coady after Wolves had beaten Leeds last week, a straight-faced Carragher said: “Obviously you won’t be aware as you’re playing tonight but Jurgen Klopp has had his Champions League press conference and he’s mentioned you and two other players who could be a replacement for Virgil van Dijk. Would that come into your thinking?” Carragher was of course joking but Coady wasn’t to know and laughed it off live on Sky Sports. Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles “I can’t believe you’ve just put this on me here,” he said. “Not at all, I love playing for this football club. We’ve just beat Leeds in an amazing game - so no!” But the connection is likely to keep being made with Coady now a full England international and playing some of the best football of his career. What's important for Wolves is that Coady has only recently committed his long-term future to the club by signing a new five-year contract.