Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has called on his team-mates and supporters to deliver a complete performance when the club hosts title rivals Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
Writing in his matchday programme notes, Van Dijk stressed the intensity required to maintain Liverpool's five-game winning streak. The Reds advance to the clash following a midweek Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Chelsea via penalty shootout, concluding a run of four consecutive home matches.
Van Dijk described matches against Arsenal as special fixtures and emphasized the mental standard needed to claim three points. "Games against Arsenal are always special, and Sunday's will be no different," he wrote. "You don't get easy, comfortable afternoons in the Premier League, and you certainly don't get them against Arsenal."
The captain outlined the tactical discipline required, noting that Liverpool will face periods without possession against Mikel Arteta's side. "There will be times, I'm sure, when we have to suffer without the ball, but it is important that we keep our composure and make sure that when we have the ball we show our own quality," Van Dijk stated.
Van Dijk highlighted the importance of Anfield's atmosphere to the team's performance. "When Anfield is at its best, we are at its best, and vice versa," he added.
Source: goal.com
