Van Dijk challenges Liverpool to rise to occasion against Man City

The Reds resume their campaign on Sunday afternoon after an extended international break, with Van Dijk relishing the opportunity to test Liverpool’s progress against Manchester City - one of their biggest rivals.

In his matchday programme column, the Dutch defender welcomed the fixture and expressed confidence that the home support could help drive the team forward.

“Our Premier League campaign resumes and, in my opinion, we could not have a better fixture with which to do so,” Van Dijk wrote.

“After a longer gap than usual between league matches, we are all really looking forward to this game, a big and important test for us against the league leaders.”

Liverpool will need to produce their best football to overcome a City side Van Dijk recognises as strong throughout the team. However, he believes such demanding encounters are essential to Liverpool’s continued development.

“I have said many times that we are still learning and developing as a team. That is clear and we accept that, but games like this, tests like this, are extremely important in terms of that development,” he said.

“We know the quality that City possess all over the pitch, and we will have to be at our best if we are to get what we want.”

The captain also pointed to Liverpool’s Bournemouth victory before the international break as an example of the collective qualities they must reproduce. He highlighted the defensive discipline, hard work and unity that helped secure the points in a difficult away fixture.

“We stuck together, we defended well as a team and we worked extremely hard to secure the three points, in what is always a really tough away game,” he wrote.

For Van Dijk, maintaining that standard is now the priority. Liverpool must demonstrate that their best performances can become a regular feature rather than isolated moments.

“The next step, and the key step, is to find that level of consistency, and I hope you guys can see how hard we are all working in that regard,” he said.

He also underlined the expectations attached to representing Liverpool, describing the club’s demand for excellence as a privilege rather than a burden.

“This is a club which must always compete for everything, and which demands the highest standards, every single day. That's not a pressure, it's a privilege, and it is one we all enjoy as Liverpool players.”

With Anfield expected to provide its familiar atmosphere, Van Dijk called on the squad to combine commitment and togetherness in pursuit of a memorable afternoon.

“If we do that, we can give you all another day to remember at this amazing stadium.”