Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has called on the English champions to adopt Arsenal’s defensive approach following their impressive 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The Reds produced their finest display of the season at Anfield, keeping Real Madrid’s formidable attack at bay after a difficult spell that saw them lose six of seven matches and fail to record a clean sheet in 10 consecutive games.
“It is easy to say now because we won twice in a row. In a world of chaos you have to stay calm and see perspective of things,” Van Dijk said after the match.
“We all know how football works — it can change overnight.”
The Dutch defender pointed to Arsenal’s commanding position at the Premier League summit, where the Gunners hold a seven-point advantage over Liverpool, built largely on an exceptional defensive record featuring eight successive clean sheets.
“You can see at the moment Arsenal are flying, and it is down to clean sheets and not conceding chances,” Van Dijk explained.
“We have the quality to hurt anyone on the break it starts with the defending. Today you saw the hard work.”
Liverpool’s recent revival began with Saturday’s 2-0 triumph over Aston Villa, before Tuesday’s disciplined performance limited Real Madrid to minimal opportunities. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced into several saves that prevented a heavier defeat for the 15-time European champions.
The victory sets up a crucial test on Sunday when Van Dijk will face Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, who has netted 26 goals this season for club and country.
“We have to keep going. Sunday is going to be another difficult one,” the Liverpool captain acknowledged.
Manager Arne Slot credited Anfield’s atmosphere for his side’s improved performances, with only two of Liverpool’s six defeats this season coming on home soil.
“It helps if you can play in front of these fans and you can play in front of Real Madrid because I think that brings the best out of my players and out of our fans,” Slot said.
“A great performance against a team that only lost once all season. It could have been a bit more maybe.”
Conor Bradley delivered an outstanding performance at right-back, effectively neutralising the threat of Vinicius Junior, whilst Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate kept Kylian Mbappe quiet throughout the contest.
“I said before the game that they have scored 26 goals in La Liga, and Mbappe and Vinicius together have 24 goal contributions,” Slot added.
“If you want to win this game you have to make sure that these two are not on the scoresheet. Conor was outstanding. To be up against Vinicius so many times one against one is not for everyone. He did outstanding today.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who appeared as a late substitute for Madrid, received a hostile reception from the Anfield crowd on his return to the stadium where he once lifted seven major trophies with Liverpool.
