Virgil van Dijk sends battlecry to Liverpool teammates for Ajax tie

Van Dijk insists Liverpool need to prove they are ‘one of world’s biggest teams’ vs Ajax

Following Liverpool FC’s tough run of form away from Anfield, and the Reds’ fixture against Ajax in the UEFA Champions League at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Virgil van Dijk has reinstated the fact that the players need to prove that they are on the field for one of the biggest teams in the world.

The Reds have not enjoyed their football this season, unlike last year’s campaign. Too many draws, a lot of losses and not as many wins as Jurgen Klopp and the fans would have liked. Even coming into this game, the Reds lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest in a match wherein Liverpool were clear favourites.

However, one should not cry over spilt milk, and Liverpool can and should only focus on what is in front of them. Hence, it is high time that the Reds prove themselves out there and that is what even Virgil says.

Virgil van Dijk says that Liverpool need to prove that they are one of the biggest teams in the world. — Virgil van Dijk along with his teammates have to roll up their socks for Liverpool. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Here is what Virgil told the media via The Guardian when he was speaking ahead of the UCL fixture against Ajax on Wednesday night (October 26):

“We want to improve the situation, we want to improve the away results. It starts tomorrow. We want to show tomorrow that we are Liverpool, one of the biggest teams and clubs in the world.”

Liverpool away from home

If Liverpool win this game, they will advance to the knockout stages of the UCL this season with a home game against Napoli to spare. Currently, the Reds have won all but one of their group-stage fixtures; the only loss coming against Napoli (4-1) away from home.

Liverpool know their opponents well, having played against them and winning multiple times in the recent past. Hence, one would expect them to win. However, the Reds’ form this season away from Anfield has been pretty substandard and would hope to change that starting this fixture.

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Two back-to-back wins in the league against Manchester United and West Ham United generated substantial momentum for the Reds but a shock loss against Nottingham Forest saw the propulsion cease to exist.

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The season is headed towards a very tough period for the Reds with multiple fixtures congested towards the end of the season. Hence, it is important for Liverpool to gather enough momentum going deeper into the season to get a decent finish.