Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has declared the FA Cup as the perfect stage for his team to demonstrate why they are still England's reigning champions, following a hard-fought goalless draw with Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Turning point after Emirates stalemate
The Reds ground out a valuable 0-0 draw away at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night, a result Van Dijk hopes could be a turning point in an inconsistent season. He highlighted the team's solid 90-minute performance as a positive foundation to build upon.
"We managed everything pretty well and we had the biggest chance in the end with the ball on the crossbar," said the Dutch defender. "We have had very good performances throughout the season but not for 90 minutes. Consistency is the key to being successful."
Focus shifts to Barnsley cup clash
Attention now turns swiftly to the FA Cup, with Arne Slot's side set to host League One Barnsley in the third round on Monday night. Van Dijk, who lifted the trophy with Liverpool in 2022, emphasised the competition's importance as a route to silverware.
"Any competition is important, but definitely the FA Cup is important," Van Dijk stated. "Barnsley will come to us on Monday, and I am looking forward to that game. They will try everything in order to get through, and we have to be ready for a big fight."
Captain's belief remains strong
Despite admitting frustration with Liverpool's grip on the Premier League title slipping, the skipper's belief in the squad's ability to salvage the campaign is undimmed. The team is currently on a ten-game unbeaten run, offering a glimmer of renewed form.
"It has been a very inconsistent and difficult season so far," Van Dijk conceded. "But the only ones that can turn that around is us. I have the belief and I am fully confident we have the players and staff to turn it around."
He added that there are "a lot of opportunities to go out and show why we are Liverpool and why we are the reigning champions," with the Champions League also still in their sights. For Van Dijk and his teammates, the quest for a trophy to cap a challenging season begins in earnest at Anfield this Monday.
