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Sadio Mane: That was our biggest win of the season
Of Liverpool's 19 Premier League victories so far this season, Sadio Mane considers Saturday's frantic one over Crystal Palace the biggest.
Jürgen Klopp’s men have posted a series of controlled successes to top the table but had to secure a result in much different fashion against the Eagles at Anfield.
The Reds trailed 1-0 after 45 minutes and were pegged back when they overturned the score with two quickfire goals in the second half.
Further strikes from Mohamed Salah and Mane put Liverpool clear, though Max Meyer’s finish set up a tense final minute with the hosts down to 10 men due to James Milner’s dismissal.
Relief was therefore the overriding emotion inside the stadium at full-time and Mane stressed the importance of securing three points from a testing afternoon.
Asked if it was his side’s biggest win of the campaign so far, the Senegal international told Liverpoolfc.com: “100 per cent.
“For sure, it was not our best performance but the most important thing for us was the three points. We got them and everybody is happy.
“They played very well in the first half. They scored goals, they were very compact and it was difficult for us to pass between the lines.
“In the second half, we tried to push with the fans behind us and we scored two quick goals. At 3-2 it became more difficult and then we scored a fourth goal.
“It was still a very tough game but [we got] three points.”
Watch: Extended highlights of seven-goal thriller
Mane’s 10th goal of the season ultimately proved to be the winner.
With the clash in stoppage-time and Liverpool’s lead 3-2, the forward collected Andy Robertson’s pass on the stretch and sprinted towards the box before threading a shot past Julian Speroni.
“It was a good goal at a good time. We were a little bit [more] relaxed after so much pressure,” he added.
“After 3-2 and 4-2, them coming again was tough but we did quite well and finally won – that’s the most important thing.”
Sadio Mane: That was our biggest win of the season
Neil Critchley on U23s draw, injuries and Virtue goal
Neil Critchley felt Liverpool U23s' 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion was a fair reflection of the action at the Academy on Sunday afternoon.
Matty Virtue’s long-range strike in the second half salvaged a point from the Premier League Cup tie, which could have been decided either way with a flurry of late chances at both ends.
The young Reds, who lost Liam Millar and Curtis Jones to injury by the interval, must now gain positive results against Burnley and Bournemouth next month to qualify from Group C.
Read Critchley’s post-match assessment below…
On his verdict of the match…
It was quite an entertaining game, there were lots of incidents. We didn’t start great, then we started to get a foothold in the game, and then we conceded. You then know you’re going to face a wall of West Brom players. It was difficult for us to break that down; we faced that when we played them away. It’s tough and we were a bit ponderous in the first half, not enough energy, crossing, shooting and running. I thought we improved in the second half, there were plenty of crosses and shots and we obviously got the equaliser. After that, tiredness kicked in a little bit. We had to make some changes due to injury and it looked a bit disjointed. We could have lost but we could have won it as well. I can’t fault the boys’ effort; we maybe could have managed the game better towards the end.
On Adam Lewis going to the right wing in the second half…
That was obviously an enforced change – Liam came off holding his hip flexor and Curtis was feeling his groin, so we had to make two changes. Matty Virtue was playing his first game for a number of weeks; he was feeling his quad a little bit, stretching his quad in the second half, so we had to change him as well. But considering those changes, I thought the boys’ character and effort was first-class. The performance looked a bit disjointed and open towards the end. I’d say that was a little bit down to the positions we were playing in and fatigue. I’d have to see that back before I make a big judgement on that one.
On Virtue taking his goal so well…
He did. It was capitalising on a mistake from the goalkeeper but it was a good touch. We’ve seen them go over the bar or wide – it was a lovely little clip over the goalkeeper. At that point in the game I felt we deserved that. After that, we didn’t show the control and patience we should have done, and it became far too open and we couldn’t live with their athleticism on the counter-attack. When we had the ball in their half, I felt more vulnerable than we should have done. Having said that, Adam has had a chance to win it, and Lazar, so it could have gone either way. A point is probably a fair reflection in the end.
Neil Critchley on U23s draw, injuries and Virtue goal
Liverpool 4 Palace 3: Boss Saturday Sees Reds Seven Clear, For NowWho was Man of the Match in mad...
Tell you what, I’m spent after that one. Maybe a drink and some Springsteen lyrics can help us all mellow out. Why Bruce? He’s The Boss and we’re boss, so…
Lights out tonight
Trouble in the heartland
Got a head-on collision
Smashin’ in my guts, man…
How were your intestines holding up after that one? Plenty of experienced Liverpool supporters were getting flashbacks after this one. With another week to go before young cornerstones, Trent and Gomez return, the right side was left vulnerable.
I feel sick right now. Too many flashback to throwing things away. Even with all the matches left to go.
— Kev Hegarty (@KevHegarty) January 19, 2019
Milner at right back against Zaha was always going to be a problem and sure enough, it was essentially a car crash. Palace’s first (yes there were multiple goals) came from the former United man beating James Milner into the box and cutting back to Townsend, flying into the area to finish under Alisson. Henderson was left out of position on the counter after appeals for handball at the other end. Moss didn’t see the touch from Tompkins even though his hands were over his head. So much for Penaltypool…
The narrative of the first half was really all about Naby Keita. The player we waited two years for was not impressing the Anfield faithful, looking a step slow and out of sync with the rest of the eleven. Without recovery pace against a quick team, Keita needed to be impactful going forward and never seemed to make the right decisions. The truth is though that Naby Keita was putting in strong performances in the opening weeks of the season, so that form really just needs to be rediscovered with more time on the pitch. Any claims of a busted transfer at this point are wildly overblown.
I don’t give a damn
For the same old played out scenes
I don’t give a damn
For just the in betweens
Panic was solidly setting in with Liverpool supporters, down 0-1 at half. “It feels like one of those days…” was a popular take. I get that we’ve been through a lot of false dawns these past few seasons, but come on folks, let’s enjoy the beautiful tenacity and drive of this squad until they show that they’re not worthy of it. These brief moments of struggle are just the prelude to the celebration. And speaking of played out scenes, Mo Salah was kicked. End of.
Supporters of rival clubs can pretend all they want that their players don’t go down when kicked or pulled in the box, but all of that noise is just in-betweens if we can stay on top of the league for. 15 more matches.
Another dive by Salah to add to the collection. Zaha would get crucified for that pic.twitter.com/P5SRPkjR7P
— J⚡️ (@J__CPFC) January 19, 2019
Poor man wanna be rich
Rich man wanna be king
And a king ain’t satisfied
Till he rules everything
We remember what it was like to have our club fold in situations like this because our ascent has been so steep. A year or two ago Liverpool would have been happy to be in the hunt for a trophy, any trophy, but now we’re happy to bail out of cup competitions as long as it leaves us a better shot at Europe’s top two crowns, the Premier League title and the Champions League. Thankfully we have a King who will stop at nothing to keep us on that path. After missing out on penalty shouts in the first half, Mo Salah plucked a Van Dijk lobbed out of the air and flung a shot past an ancient looking Speroni just one minute into the second half.
Seven minutes later, Naby Keita fed an innocent looking ball into Bobby Firmino at the left corner of the 18-yard box. Just a shoulder shimmy and a slow roller into the corner and we were leading, sending Anfield into delirium. Usually, replacement ‘keepers play out of their skin against Liverpool, but Speroni was doing his best to break that trend.
And that should have been it. We’ve seen out so many matches this year once we’ve taken a lead into the second half, but Crystal Palace and our old buddy Roy Hodgson were up for the fight. In the 65th minute, a Milivojevic corner found an unmarked Tompkins to equalize at 2-2. Virgil Van Dijk and Fabinho were screened off and Keita was lost in the trees, unable to stop the easiest goal Liverpool have allowed in months.
More “It feels like one of those days,” comments flooded Twitter.
We have the Egyptian King and he ain’t gonna be satisfied until he rules everything. James Milner took a break from chasing Zaha around, flipped a ball towards goal from just right of goal and the Palace ‘keeper made a meal of it again. The ball was headed into the net, but Mo Salah remembered the would-be goal at City that missed by a centimetre and didn’t leave anything to chance. Even United supporters were appreciating Salah after his 50th Premier League notch.
Hate to say it but Salah showing AGAIN why he's the best player in the league
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) January 19, 2019
3-2 at 75 minutes. Surely that would be enough for the team with the best defence since 04/05 Chelsea… No, The Hodge would not go easy.
A wayward ball from Jordan Henderson eluded Bobby Firmino and truthfully, both were to blame, leaving Zaha free to sprint in. James Milner, already on one yellow was left to dive in and ultimately got there second, earning himself a Ribena an early shower. For a few stressful moments, a ten man Liverpool had Firmino at right back and Lallana in central midfield after Fabinho was forced off.
Milner sent off. pic.twitter.com/UTRlbzMtf7
— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) January 19, 2019
Sadio Mané, stepped into the spotlight, getting on the end of a Mo Salah counter and with the world ready for him to put the ball away… he hit it wide. But, as things usually go for Mané, he would get another opportunity. In injury time Robertson and Sadio were still sprinting around the pitch, and the newly extended left-back pulled a ball back in play from the touchline freeing Mané for a casual strike under Speroni to make it 4-2.
Just to keep things interesting, Palace scored again moments later through Max Meyer who scored past a diving Rafa Camacho. Alisson got a hand to it, but he must have felt like they earned it, as he allowed the ball past him and into the net, giving Liverpool supporters heart palpitations all over the globe.
Thank fuck that’s over
— Kauser Soze (@NinaKauser) January 19, 2019
I believe in the love that you gave me
I believe in the faith that could save me
I believe in the hope
And I pray that some day
It may raise me above these
If you didn’t believe before, Reds, come on up for the rising, because this Liverpool team, at the very least, is Palace-proof. A biased ref, a fluke goal, an injury bug, a manager too stubborn to add to the squad… none of that seems to be able to slow this train down. This is a different kind of Liverpool that hasn’t been seen in a generation. When things look bleak, they have extra notches to go to, able to crank it up to eleven whenever needed.
Lad fuming in the Ship & Mitre that we conceded three goals. ‘You don’t win leagues like that’. Probably a flat earther. #LFC
— Graeme Kelly (@GraemeKelly1) January 19, 2019
Things should return to regular order in the coming weeks as we get our regular right-backs back. This adventure was fun and all, and it will add to the story at the end of the season, but 15 more boring wins would suit me just fine.
Not to worry fellow Reds, we will rise above these. With a 7 point lead going into Sunday and reinforcements on the way, this is going to be our year. It just might not come in the stress-free fashion we’d prefer.
And don’t @ me, but… It feels like one of those years.
Up the Boss Reds
Matty Virtue stunner earns Liverpool U23s draw on day of injuries and a dream debut
The Liverpool U23s were held to a 1-1 draw by West Brom in Group C of the Premier League Cup, with Niall Brookwell debuting on a difficult afternoon.
Liverpool U23s 1-1 West Brom U23s
Premier League Cup, Kirkby
January 20, 2019
Goals: Virtue 61′; Edwards 22′
Neil Critchley made four changes from the 1-1 draw with Brighton the previous weekend, as Shamal George, Conor Masterson, Matty Virtue and Lazar Markovic came in for Caoimhin Kelleher, Ki-Jana Hoever, Connor Randall and Rafa Camacho.
An opportunity for the likes of Markovic, Pedro Chirivella and Corey Whelan to put themselves in the shop window, this clash was also a landmark for youngster Brookwell, who was named on the substitutes’ bench.
A difficult start at Kirkby saw Masterson at fault as he misjudged a bouncing ball to allow Kyle Edwards through, with a shimmy from the 20-year-old beating George Johnston and allowing him to fire past George to give West Brom the lead.
It was the Curtis Jones show as the young Reds pushed for an equaliser, with the 17-year-old constantly demanding the ball as they adopted a patient approach reminiscent of the first team.
Liverpool lost another central figure before half-time as Liam Millar was forced off with a suspected thigh injury, with Glen McAuley taking his place for his 10th substitute appearance for the U23s this season.
McAuley endeavoured up front as the first half drew to a close, but struggled for clear support as Markovic in particular failed to impress.
The U23s were dealt another blow as Jones didn’t emerge for the second half after picking up a knock before the break, with Juanma taking his place and Adam Lewis shifting over to the right wing.
Despite losing their biggest spark, the young Reds were much-improved on their return to the field, with McAuley, Lewis and Markovic all testing West Brom goalkeeper Brad House.
An error from House ultimately led to the equaliser, with a poor kick out from the back only finding Virtue, who marked his return from ankle injury with a brilliant lobbed goal from 40 yards out.
The game opened up afterwards as both sides pushed for a winner, and Lewis thought he had secured one for Liverpool only to see his strike ruled out for offside.
Brookwell replaced Virtue with 10 minutes to play to become the third 16-year-old to play for the U23s already this season, after Hoever and Fidel O’Rourke, but he was unable to taste victory on his debut.
TIA Man of the Match: Adam Lewis
Referee: Daniel Middleton
Liverpool U23s: George; Whelan, Masterson, Johnston, Lewis; Chirivella, Virtue (Brookwell 79′), Christie-Davies; Markovic, Jones (Juanma 46′), Millar (McAuley 37′)
Subs not used: McKenzie-Lyle
Next Match: Swansea (H) – Premier League International Cup – Thursday, January 24, 7pm (GMT)
Match report: U23s draw with West Brom in Premier League Cup
Liverpool U23s came from a goal down to draw 1-1 with West Bromwich Albion in their Premier League Cup tie at the Academy.
Kyle Edwards produced the standout piece of quality in the first half, his powerful surge and sure finish giving the away team a lead at the interval.
But the young Reds were a different side from the outset of the second period and levelled on the hour when Matty Virtue beat the goalkeeper from distance.
Neil Critchley’s team could not complete a full turnaround, however, and remain bottom of Group C with two fixtures left to play in the section.
The visitors made a keen start in Kirkby but Curtis Jones, playing as the central focal point of Liverpool’s attack, soon began to influence proceedings.
It was his driving run from deep to the edge of the box that opened avenues to pass either left to Virtue or right to Lazar Markovic.
Jones opted for the latter and Markovic unselfishly attempted to reverse the ball back to his teammate for a shot – but West Brom recovered to block out the chance.
The No.9 then presented Pedro Chirivella with a shooting opportunity by holding up Liam Millar’s cross into the box and laying a pass out to the ‘D’, though the effort was curled too high.
The Baggies’ threat in the opening 20 minutes had been restricted to harmless crosses from wide, and a much more direct route paid instant dividends.
Edwards capitalised on a bouncing knock forward by physically shrugging off Conor Masterson and rounding George Johnston before coolly rolling a finish past Shamal George.
Rayhaan Tulloch went close to doubling West Brom’s lead on the half-hour but, having escaped into space in the left channel and fashioned a yard of space, he dragged his shot wide of the far post.
Liverpool’s search for fluency was hindered by knocks to Millar, who was forced off on 37 minutes, and Jones; he persevered until half-time before being withdrawn.
Critchley adjusted his front line as a result of those injuries and Adam Lewis, switched from left-back to right wing, helped to forge a series of good chances as the hosts seized control of the tie.
His pressing led to a close-range effort from substitute Glen McAuley being well saved by the legs of Brad House, his own driven hit was palmed away and the rebound evaded Markovic, who might have then done better with a back-post header from Lewis’ excellent cross.
West Brom had appeals for a penalty rejected when Edwards’ blast struck Johnston’s arm in the box – and their frustration was compounded within moments.
House carelessly sent the ball straight to Virtue and the Reds midfielder expertly took advantage with a clever first touch and precise lift back over the goalkeeper into the open net.
By now, the encounter was end to end.
Edwards’ dribbling pace drew out defenders and allowed a reverse pass into Tulloch – but his low shot was flicked wide by the diving George.
Lewis had the ball in the West Brom net soon after, though a narrow offside call denied him after collecting Chirivella’s through pass and stepping around House.
Neither side were able to muster a winner, though, with George superbly denying Jamie Soule and then Dan Meredith one-on-one in the final minutes.
So Liverpool will now require positive results at Burnley and Bournemouth next month to have any hope of qualifying from Premier League Cup Group C.
Liverpool U23s: George, Whelan, Lewis, Masterson, Johnston, Chirivella, Millar (McAuley, 37), Virtue (Brookwell, 80), Jones (Juanma, 46), Christie-Davies, Markovic.
Unused substitute: McKenzie-Lyle.
Match report: U23s draw with West Brom in Premier League Cup
Liverpool fans will love the connection between Virgil van Dijk and Kenny Dalglish
Virgil van Dijk has revealed the help Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish has given him since joining the club, and how it inspires him to make history at Anfield.
Van Dijk has now played a full 38 games in the Premier League for the Reds, and in last weekend’s 1-0 win over Brighton made his 50th appearance for the club in all competitions.
The Dutchman’s impact has been incredible, playing a key role in transforming the fortunes of Jurgen Klopp‘s defence and spearheading a title charge this season.
Unlike many other new signings under Klopp, Van Dijk slotted in and performed immediately, debuting four days after officially joining Liverpool and missing only five games since.
He has attributed the role of Dalglish, now serving as a director for the Reds, to helping him settle and instilling the ethos required to become a legendary figure at Anfield.
“Kenny Dalglish gave me his mobile number in the very beginning and told me to ring him at any time,” he revealed.
“It is unbelievable when he sometimes sends me messages before games. That is what Liverpool is about.
“Like most clubs, Liverpool have some private boxes for players available. I have my own box for my family here. To get there, you have to walk through the boardroom.
“On matchdays, that is like walking in a museum. Almost every Liverpool legend is present. I just love to hear all the stories from the guys who used to play for this magical club.
“When you have meant something to this club, they will never forget you. You are Liverpool forever.”
It is great to hear how Dalglish, now 67, is still a big influence behind the scenes at Liverpool, having been so crucial to their success over the years as a player and manager.
Andy Robertson paid a similar tribute to the King in an interview in November, with these small details so important on joining such a historic club.
Furthermore, it is something Dalglish is not obliged to do, highlighting his lasting connection with the Reds that maintains the desire to contribute in any way possible.
Van Dijk certainly has a long way to go before he can be considered a legend on Merseyside, but he is clearly aware of what is required to do so.
Liverpool marked what would have been the 100th birthday of Bob Paisley at Anfield on Saturday.
Liverpool’s blend of luck and quality keeping the edge over Man City in the title race
Liverpool were perhaps fortunate to win 4-3 over Crystal Palace on Saturday, but this is precisely the manner in which Premier League title races are won.
Some games are so ‘out there’ that it feels like they should be reclassified as ‘full moon games’.
Fortunately, full moon games are worth six points when it comes to the battle of the mind.
This win will hurt those who harbour designs of catching us in the final straight of the Premier League title race; a list of title rivals that is increasingly looking like it now has only one name upon it.
Stumble and Fall
As Chelsea continue to stumble, as Tottenham continue to struggle for a missing ingredient or two while fretting over their injured ‘national treasure’, the field of viable champions begins to definitively thin out.
We’ve been on the opposite side of this coin many times before over the last 29 years.
Just within reaching distance of the team at the top of the tree, when you witness them being ‘gifted’ a large slice of luck, be that an outrageous deflection, a contentious refereeing decision, or an undeserved victory when they are clearly on an off-day.
When you are in this position, and it is your turn to go out on to the pitch 24 hours later, it puts added pressure on you to win your own game, even if that is a game you are roundly expected to win.
It almost becomes a thankless task, simply to maintain the status quo in which you approached the weekend. It chips away at the soul; it begins to erode hope. You question your capabilities.
You make your own luck when you are a team in the ascendancy, however. You must be there, with attacking intent, to provoke that deflection from an opponent who is throwing himself across a shot in desperation.
You need to be attacking with great speed for the officials to miss a ball making contact with a hand during a frenzied build-up to a goal.
There will also be times where the luck goes against us though. Like the ball making contact with Andros Townsend’s arm shortly before Crystal Palace scored the opening goal in this game.
It’s all about how you respond to the harsh knocks. When the sky is the limit, you brush these knocks aside and bludgeon on to claim the points on offer.
Man Flu
Man flu has descended. On only two other occasions have I felt as ill at a football match as I did on Saturday.
One was at Molineux against Wolves around 15 years ago, when I was in attendance for a lesser-spotted Bruno Cheyrou goal, during a dispiriting 1-1 draw.
The other was at Newcastle United one Christmas, in blizzard conditions, on a night when for most of the journey up to St James’ Park we were led to believe the game would be postponed.
Sat at Anfield on Saturday, almost zombified due to illness and stupefied by the near ludicrous nature of the game unfolding before my very eyes, I was also sat next to one of those people who nervously bounce their leg up and down.
You know what I mean by that don’t you?
Heel raised from the ground, while using their toes like a springboard. Done quickly enough, with both legs, then they can end up looking like they’re riding an imaginary bike.
Anything other than a win and I’d have sneezed all over him.
A cluster of five Liverpool players surrounding James McArthur. It made the pitch big for Palace once he managed to evade being dispossessed of the ball.
It was Palace’s first attack of the game, but it was a clever one. We provided the space for the opportunity, but they still had to take advantage of it.
Wilfried Zaha easily circumnavigated James Milner for the first goal.
We had been sleepwalking up until the half-hour mark but we had seemed to be wrestling the control of the game before Palace rudely obtained the lead.
Salah Fell Over
When moral indignation kicks in over attacking players trying to ‘cultivate’ a decision in the penalty area, football drifts into pantomime villain mode.
The dark arts of defenders in trying to stop attackers go unconsidered. It’s all about the ‘flashpoint’ when player hits floor. The bigger running battle is ignored.
Football could do with greater honesty across the board, but it will never happen because it is a competitive environment. Salah will be vilified more than an entire club will be for distorting the laws of FFP.
Proportion is generally in low supply when it comes to views of football. Villainy is in the eye of the beholder.
Bernard Sheridan went to his first game in 1923. He saw Elisha Scott play. How mad is that?
Put us through many more like this one and I don’t think many of us will be matching Bernard’s 104 years.
Yes, luck was involved in the equaliser for 1-1. Defensive panic, a pronounced deflection from Virgil van Dijk.
While from the distance of my spec in the Upper Main Stand, it looked like Salah toe-ended the ball past Julian Speroni, according to Danny Murphy, it was instead an intelligent finish with the outside of his foot.
Either way, at this point in time of the Premier League title race, who cares what the thinking, intent or aesthetic qualities were? The fact that the ball went over the line was more than enough to provoke my joy and relief.
A frustrating first half had left me demanding, but not necessarily expecting, an early goal at the start of the second half.
I’d mused with my dad shortly before the restart that if Palace curled up into a ball, then we would find it difficult to break them down.
Not allowing them the time to get into their rut was an ingenious move.
Within eight minutes of the restart we had sprinted into a 2-1 lead. With the aid of another deflection, Bobby Firmino scored.
That song of his is nothing but glorious.
But we were careless to concede the equaliser for 2-2.
Milner’s Busy Afternoon
Milner was given a torrid time by Zaha, yet he played a pivotal part in our third goal, another goal that benefited from an aberration of the mind of a Palace player; this time Speroni was startlingly culpable.
If we do win the title, then we will owe a huge amount of thanks to goalkeepers freezing beneath the shadow of the Kop. Banners of thanks to Speroni and Jordan Pickford will be a must.
Milner is no right-back, certainly not against someone a fast as Zaha. I felt we would have been better served by swapping Milner and Fabinho around.
Sent off, Milner knew he was going as soon as he launched into the challenge.
Jordan Henderson had played well, but his pass meant Milner was always half a second behind the ball. That said, the pass was intended for Firmino.
Our good fortune still didn’t desert us however, as Andy Robertson used his hand during the buildup to what proved to be a vital fourth goal, one that was excellently finished by Sadio Mane.
It was the goal that gave us the scope to concede one more. Three league goals shipped at Anfield on one afternoon, when we had previously only conceded three all season.
The moon was indeed full.
Aided and Abetted
Roy Hodgson, another to have recently aided and abetted us in our title challenge by leading Palace to victory at Man City, was bitterly disappointed.
We have 60 points with 15 games to go. We are 13 points better off than we were at this stage last season, 15 goals better off in terms of goal difference.
Another ‘winter break’ now presents itself and this is where we can see the ups of the downs of being out of the League Cup and the FA Cup, as those behind us are stretched in four different directions.
Come back energised and focused though, because Leicester will be afforded the same amount of time to regroup too.
Video: Salah's best moments in Palace thriller
Mohamed Salah led the charge as Liverpool battled to a precious 4-3 victory over Crystal Palace and was rewarded with another two goals.
The Egyptian's endeavour and quality helped to haul the Reds from a goal down and maintain their Premier League lead on a frantic afternoon at Anfield.
Watch the best moments of Salah's performance in the LFCTV GO montage above.
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Video: Salah's best moments in Palace thriller
Van Dijk on texts from Dalglish and making LFC history
Virgil van Dijk takes inspiration from Sir Kenny Dalglish and Liverpool's legendary former players as he aims to achieve modern success with the club.
The centre-back has been a formidable influence on the Reds team – who lead the Premier League and are safely into the Champions League last 16 – since sealing a switch from Southampton a year ago.
It was at the time Van Dijk completed his transfer to Liverpool that the Netherlands international swapped phone numbers with Dalglish, with the pair occasionally in touch ahead of matches.
And the No.4 uses the feats of the past as motivation to write history himself.
“Kenny Dalglish gave me his mobile number in the very beginning and told me to ring him at any time,” said Van Dijk.
“It is unbelievable when he sometimes sends me messages before games. That is what Liverpool is about.
“Like most clubs, Liverpool have some private boxes for players available. I have my own box for my family here. To get there, you have to walk through the boardroom.
“On matchdays, that is like walking in a museum. Almost every Liverpool legend is present. I just love to hear all the stories from the guys who used to play for this magical club.
“When you have meant something to this club, they will never forget you. You are Liverpool for ever.”
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Van Dijk on texts from Dalglish and making LFC history
The media on LFC 4-3 Palace: 'Henderson led by example'
Mohamed Salah scored twice as Liverpool fought their way back from a goal down to beat Crystal Palace 4-3 at Anfield on Saturday.
Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane were also on the mark on a dramatic afternoon that saw the Reds again strengthen their position at the top of the Premier League.
Here is what the media made of the match...
James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
The scenes after the final whistle spoke volumes. A pumped up Jürgen Klopp embraced his captain before delivering a flurry of fist pumps in front of the Kop and beating his chest. Anfield let out a collective roar. Liverpool had emerged unscathed from a rollercoaster afternoon to move seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table. There were more twists and turns than a Hollywood blockbuster as the Reds overcame a major scare to keep their title charge on track. You could hear the groans coming from Manchester. On the day when Liverpool honoured the legendary Bob Paisley, Klopp's side also delivered a nod to the past. This was a throwback to their previous guise when they were potent going forward but horribly vulnerable at the other end. When the pressure was cranked up, they refused to buckle. Instead they stood tall and showcased their powers of recovery. The character and hunger of this side is just as impressive as their quality and work ethic. Captain Jordan Henderson led by example as he thundered into tackles with Milner and Andy Robertson equally combative.
David Lynch, Evening Standard
It is often said that difficult moments are when you find out whether teams are truly great or not, and Klopp could not have asked for more from his players on a tricky day at Anfield. To their great credit, Palace provided the sort of test that the Reds have not seen much en route to the summit of the Premier League with 23 games gone. But, no matter how many blows they landed across the 90 minutes, Hodgson's men could not extinguish their hosts' belief, or their desire to claim another crucial three points. Liverpool's watertight defence has been crucial to their brilliance this season but, when that failed, they possessed the character to find another way to win. That bodes incredibly well for their chances of sustaining a title charge until May.
Neil Jones, Goal.com
You never thought it would be straightforward, did you? Liverpool are seven points clear at the top of the Premier League, but boy did they suffer to get there! Anfield had forgotten what a Klopp rollercoaster felt like, but they got a thrilling, terrifying reminder here. This was a throwback to days gone by, heavy metal football, organised chaos and all that. Crystal Palace, 14th in the table, gave the league leaders the fright of their lives. The noise which greeted the final blast of referee Jon Moss' whistle said everything. This was a victory to be enjoyed, at the end of an afternoon to be endured. At the end, Klopp made his way down to the Kop. A clench of the fist brought a guttural roar from English football's most famous stand. He knew how important this was, and so did his supporters. "Someone asked me the main feeling, the main emotion, at the final whistle," he said. "It was relief." Early in his reign, a defeat here to Palace left him "feeling pretty lonely" as fans gave up on their team as they toiled, but things have changed dramatically since then. Now, there is a perfect harmony, from the stands to the field. The faith is there, and so is the belief. Nobody was leaving this game early. But the long and the short of it is simple; Liverpool remain in the driving seat, and passed yet another examination of their championship credentials. They've won 19 of their 23 league games so far; 14 more victories will end that long, painful wait for a league title, no matter what happens elsewhere.
Steve Bates, Daily Mirror
They lined up at half time with more title medals amongst them than probably any group of men in Liverpool's history. Talk about timing. Just when Klopp's modern day stars most needed inspiration and a reminder that you have to dig deep to win the most prized trophy in English football, the heroes of Liverpool's glorious past took their place in the centre circle at half time. Kenny Dalglish, Phil Neal, Graeme Souness, Terry McDermott, Ian Callaghan, Jimmy Case, David Fairclough and more. If any Kop stars know how to win a title it's them. They were at Anfield to honour the 100th birthday of former managerial legend Paisley, no stranger to winning the big prizes himself. And their presence proved a divine intervention of sorts as Klopp's men responded to a hitch in their title plan exactly the way the legends of yester-year did all those seasons ago. With guts, determination, belief and, on this occasion, the handy slice of luck all teams need on the long road to glory. But when you have Salah in attack anything is possible – even on the off days. It's hard to think of fresh superlatives for Salah who is back to his best and making the decisive contributions just when Liverpool need him most.
This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.
What's on: This week's LFC community events
Check out a schedule of local community events planned by the LFC Foundation and Red Neighbours teams in the coming week.
For more information on these activities, and the work of the two organisations, follow @LFCFoundation and @Red_Neighbours on Twitter or click here.
Monday January 21
Premier League Kicks sessions
Walton Hall Park - 7pm-8pm (age 11-17)
Speke Community Centre - 6pm-8pm (age 11+)
Respect 4 All Ability Counts session (Disability)
Anfield Sports and Community Centre - 6pm-7pm (age 5-12), 7pm-8pm (age 13+)
Tuesday January 22
Premier League Kicks session
Toxteth Firefit Hub - 5.30pm-6.30pm (age 8-13), 6.30pm-7.30pm (age 14-19)
Respect 4 All (Disability)
Anfield Sports and Community Centre - 6pm-7pm (age 5-16), 7pm-8pm (age 17+)
Red Neighbours Walking Football
Anfield Sports and Community Centre - 3pm-4pm
Open Goals
Seaforth in Bowersdale Park (meet at Bowersdale Resource Centre) - 5pm-6pm
Wednesday January 23
Premier League Kicks sessions
Anfield Sports and Community Centre - 5pm-6pm (age 7-11), 6pm-7pm (age 12-17), 5pm-6pm (age 8-13 girls only)
Respect 4 All (Disability)
Anfield Sports and Community Centre - 6pm-7pm (age 5+)
Open Goals
Crosby in Coronation Park (meet at Alchemy Crosby Youth & Community Centre) - 4.30pm-5.30pm
Thursday January 24
Premier League Kicks sessions
Liverpool Aquatics Centre, Wavertree - 5pm-6pm (age 8-13), 6pm-7pm (age 14-17)
Gateacre School - 6pm-7pm (age 8-11), 7pm-8pm (age 12-16)
Anfield Sports and Community Centre - 8pm-10pm (age 13+)
Respect 4 All (Disability)
Anfield Sports and Community Centre - 7pm-8pm (age 5+)
Military Veterans
Netherton Goals - 5pm-7.30pm
Friday January 25
Premier League Kicks sessions
Liverpool Aquatics Centre, Wavertree - 6pm-8pm (age 14-19)
Croxteth Sports Centre - 6pm-8pm (age 11-17)
Kirkby Leisure Centre - 5pm-6pm (age 8-13), 6pm-8pm (age 14-17)
Netherton Activity Centre - 6pm-7pm (age 8-11), 7pm-8pm (age 12-19)
Respect 4 All (Disability)
Anfield Sports and Community Centre - 6pm-7pm (age 5-16), 7pm-8pm (age 17+)
Red Neighbours Walking Football
Anfield Sports and Community Centre - 11am-12pm
Red Neighbours Walking Netball
Anfield Sports and Community Centre - 11.30am-12.30pm
Saturday January 26
Respect 4 All (Disability)
Woodchurch High School - 10.30am-11.30am (SLD Child), 11.30am-12.30pm (Ability Counts), 12.30pm-1.30pm (SLD Adults)
Open Goals
Wavertree Sports Park - 11am-12pm, 12pm-1pm
Stanley Park - 11am-12pm, 12pm-1pm
Norris Green Park - 1.30pm-3pm
Jubilee Sports Bank - 1.30pm-2.30pm
Sunday January 27
Open Goals
Walton Hall Park - 1pm-2pm, 2pm-3pm
Belle Vale Park - 1pm-2pm, 2pm-3pm
Doric Park - 11am-12pm
Military Veterans
LFC Academy - 3pm-5pm
The media on LFC 4-3 Palace: 'Henderson led by example'
What's on: This week's LFC community events
12.30pm GMT: Watch Liverpool U23s v West Brom live
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