Liverpool Eye Momentum as Virgil van Dijk Rallies Troops Ahead of West Ham United Clash
Liverpool return to Anfield on Saturday with purpose and perspective. A 3pm GMT meeting with West Ham United offers the chance to make it four Premier League wins on the spin, following victories over Sunderland, Brighton and Nottingham Forest. For a side now shaped by Arne Slot’s title winning authority, the message from captain Virgil van Dijk is clear, momentum matters, but so does growth.
There is a sense that this Liverpool team are building something durable. The 2024-25 Premier League triumph under Slot set the benchmark, yet standards inside the dressing room remain uncompromising. Van Dijk, as ever, sets the tone.
“Saturday is all about maintaining momentum, and hopefully with you guys behind us we can do exactly that,” he said in the club’s official matchday programme.
Virgil van Dijk Demands Higher Standards
The Liverpool skipper has seen enough title races and European nights to understand that February and March define seasons. His programme notes ahead of West Ham United reflect a squad conscious of both progress and potential.
“Every game is important now as we pursue our aims, whether that is in the FA Cup, the Champions League or, in this case, the Premier League.”
Liverpool have indeed looked sharper in recent weeks. The defensive line is more cohesive, the midfield more assured in possession. Yet Van Dijk is not indulging in self congratulations.
“There is no doubt in my mind that we have shown big improvements in recent weeks, but that doesn’t mean we are exactly where we want or need to be. I think I speak for everyone when I say we are fully aware that we can improve in a lot of ways, and that we are all working extremely hard to make sure that happens.”
Those words carry weight. Liverpool’s resurgence has been built on resilience as much as rhythm.
Lessons from Nottingham Forest Victory
Last weekend’s win at the City Ground was instructive. Nottingham Forest pushed Liverpool deep, exposing imperfections, especially before the interval. The final score told one story, the performance another.
“The important thing right now is that we keep finding ways to get the results we need. Sometimes that means winning and playing well, playing good football, creating lots of chances and scoring lots of goals.
“But on other occasions, it is about the other side of the game. It’s about digging in, defending well, showing strength and character and keeping on going until the very last whistle, no matter what.”
Forest tested Liverpool’s composure. The response, according to Van Dijk, revealed character.
“That is certainly what we did at Nottingham Forest last weekend. It was a very important win for us, at a place which is very tough to visit.”
“We showed a real desire not to concede throughout the game, and then in the closing stages we pushed hard to find the winning goal. It was nice to be on the right end of a late one for once this season.”
Victories such as that often shape campaigns. They reaffirm belief.
“I can assure you that the feeling of victory never gets old, and it was amazing to see the scenes in the away end in the final minutes and at the full-time whistle.”
West Ham United Test Mentality at Anfield
Now attention turns to West Ham United, followed by a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers. League position can mislead, intensity never does.
“Now, as l say, we have to continue pushing for results and for progress. We are at home to West Ham and then away to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday night, and we know that these will be two very tough games, no matter what the league table may say.”
For Liverpool, humility remains a guiding principle.
“Forest showed, as just about every team in the Premier League has shown, that every opponent must be respected in this league. It is so tough, so competitive, and the demands are huge each week.
“For us, we have to show the right mentality, the humility and the willingness to work hard, and the desire to fight for every single ball.
“If we do that, and if we have you guys behind us as always, we can keep that forward momentum going.”
In a season defined by fine margins, Liverpool and Virgil van Dijk understand that progress is measured not only in silverware, but in standards sustained week after week. West Ham United arrive next, and Anfield expects.
