Virgil van Dijk backs Konate’s reaction and highlights Ekitic’s impact on Liverpool’s stability
Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brighton on Saturday was about more than the scoreline. Two consecutive clean sheets were the team’s third in the Test season, providing a rare defensive reassurance and extending a five-game unbeaten run after nine defeats in 12 games.
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For Arne Slot, the ongoing challenge is always continuous improvement. Earlier clean sheets against Arsenal and Burnley, and later Aston Villa and Real Madrid, quickly gave way to returns. With Tottenham Hotspur next up, Liverpool now face another chance to prove that recent progress represents something more permanent.
While the focus last week was on Mohamed Salah’s public criticism and the pressure surrounding the manager, the performances of Ibrahima Konate and Hugo Ekitic also shaped Liverpool’s narrative. Virgil van Dijk spoke after the win over Brighton, offering clear support for both players while reinforcing the standards needed to enter the decisive stage of the season.
Photo: IMAGO
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Defensive discipline setting platform
Liverpool’s defensive deficiencies have been well documented this season, which makes the latest suspension particularly welcome. Van Dijk stressed that preventing chances remains the cornerstone of any sustained success.
“That’s obviously the basis of success, not giving up chances, let alone scoring goals,” the captain said. “Unfortunately we conceded too many goals and that’s the reality but we can only look forward and try not to score goals and that’s what we’ve done in the last two games.
“The season is long and we want to keep doing it, but obviously it’s a lot of work. Everyone tries to help, everyone on the team, that’s why it’s a team sport.”
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Liverpool also controlled Brighton in midweek against Inter Milan, effectively limiting Brighton. For Van Dijk, collective responsibility remains non-negotiable, especially at a time when confidence is fragile.
Konate gets support after review
Konate found himself under increasing scrutiny after making a costly error against Leeds United, with a reckless charge leading to a penalty in a chaotic 3-3 draw. As the defender enters the final months of his contract, speculation has rife over his future and criticism has been relentless.
Van Dijk, however, sees Konate’s reaction as an example of resilience rather than vulnerability.
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“Ibrahimovic is a great defender and obviously when the team doesn’t perform as a collective, we are exposed as the last line of defence,” he said.
“It happens from time to time and individual mistakes cost us, myself included at times. Unfortunately, it’s part of the game.
“It depends on how you deal with it, how you react. In the case of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, in the last two games he has been particularly good.
“He’s doing the same thing as us, he’s helping me and I’m helping him, and that’s how it should be.
“We’re not perfect and he wants to do the best for the club and I’m pretty sure that’s absolutely fine.”
Konate’s performance improved against Inter Milan and Brighton, bolstering Liverpool’s much-needed defensive stability.
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Ekitike delivers inconsistently
Compared with the uncertainty on defense, Hugo Ekitic provides stable output on offense. The French striker has scored 10 goals this season, including a brace in successive Premier League games against Leeds United and Brighton, in a campaign in which Liverpool have often struggled to find a rhythm.
“I think he’s obviously doing well,” Van Dijk said. “I thought it was very clinical, a great finish. It was clear in the corners as well.
“I support him too, but he did it on his own! Obviously his goals and the effort he puts in are important.
“He demands a lot more from himself and we all demand a lot from him and the rest of the team.
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“It’s not been an easy season, but for him to come in and put up these numbers, it’s what we need, what we want, and he wants it.
“He just has to stay calm and keep working hard and help himself and help the rest of the team and Alex (Isaak) be at his best. I’m pretty sure he’s going to be fine.”
Van Dijk reiterates faith in Slott
Despite the turmoil surrounding Liverpool in recent weeks, Van Dijk has stressed his support for Slott, insisting the manager has dealt with external pressure calmly and effectively.
“I thought he handled the situation very well,” he said. “Calm, in his own way.
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“It’s a very tricky situation and there’s a lot of noise and pressure out there, and rightly so because we’re not close to the standards we showed last season.
“But we’re all human and everyone reacts in a certain way and handles situations in a certain way.
“But I think for me personally, from the conversations we have every day, I think he’s handling it well. We’ve got to keep moving forward.
“Obviously the club he’s at is a very united club and that’s what it was like before we joined the club and it’s something we have to keep moving forward.
“We have had good times together as a team, as a club, as fans and sometimes when difficult moments arise we have to stick together.
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“I think it’s a good moment now to see how everyone reacts to it. I think the manager has done a perfect job so far.”
Liverpool’s current task is to turn words into consistency. With Van Dijk setting the tone, Konate rediscovering his form and Ekitek scoring, the foundations were in place – the next step was to prove they could hold on.