Virgil van Dijk: Liverpool captain hits out at 'ridiculous' criticism after win over Aston Villa ends losing run in Premier League

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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk remarked that "some of the takes are ridiculous" when discussing recent criticism of his team after their six-run losing streak. That run ended on Saturday night at Anfield when goals from Mohamed Salah and Ryan Gravenberch gave them a 2-0 win over Aston Villa, and lifted them into third place in the Premier League table.

Van Dijk calls on Liverpool to 'stick together' after bringing Premier League losing run to an end

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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said "some of the takes are ridiculous" after his club ended their poor run of form with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday.

Mohamed Salah and Ryan Gravenberch struck either side of half-time to end their run of five consecutive defeats on the domestic scene, and move to third place in the Premier League.

Liverpool’s players, and manager Arne Slot, have come in for criticism after their impressive title win last season, but Van Dijk told TNT Sports after the match that he felt some of the comments were over the top, and that he had worked to focus on the task at hand.

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He said: "Even in good times, you have to still keep going and don't take your foot off the gas. What I've noticed over the last few weeks is that there's a lot of noise that you have no control over, and we have to deal with that as a team.

"Some of the takes are ridiculous, but you deal with it. Outside noise can reach certain players, but we stick together. We are not going out on the pitch to lose games or leave fans disappointed, we want to work our socks off and win games. But it's not a guarantee. The Premier League is the highest level.

"Now it's time to start working, never get too high or too low. We live in a world where everyone can have their own opinions on so many platforms, and they know better. We have to stay away from that and focus on the hard work we are doing.

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"Last season, we did some negative stuff, but everything was all sunshine and rainbows everywhere. Now it sounds like we're going to be in a relegation battle - that's how it works in the world."

Salah’s goal was his 250th for the club in all competitions. The 33-year-old has also been singled out by some critics who have suggested that he is in decline, and he said after the match that the win came at a vital time, with some tough matches on the horizon.

"It's very important," Salah began. "We had a few losses in the Premier League and the Champions League. I'm glad we're back on track now.

"It's a good [win] before some very important games, against [Real] Madrid and Manchester City. It's a very important win for us.

"I said from the beginning. I've played football for many years. I said it was a tricky season for us with a few new players. Very good signings but they need time to adapt to the old team. We lost a few good players too. We just need time to adapt to each other's games. I think we'll be fine."

Regarding his milestone, he added: "Great feeling to score goals and win trophies for such a big club. I don't take it for granted, I'm so proud."

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'The steel was back' - Gerrard and McManaman impressed with resurgence

Former Liverpool captain and Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard hailed a return to form for The Reds, saying they appeared to have been making more of an effort on the pitch. He also felt the home side were helped by some errors from Unai Emery’s men.

He commented: "I felt they were physical, the steel was back. The work rate, the intensity in possession. I think all the good stuff came off the back of that.

"I think VIlla were their own victims. Overplaying in the build up, too many mistakes. The tactics weren't wrong from Aston Villa. I think the manager got the tactics spot on, started the game really well. Too many mistakes in the build up and Liverpool punished them for it."

McManaman says Gravenberch is 'vital' for Liverpool after win against Villa

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Gerrard’s former Anfield team-mate Steve McManaman picked out four names for praise, including Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Van Dijk, who have been under fire at times this campaign.

He said: "They are back at Anfield where they are very comfortable. I know they lost the last game, but they could have easily scored three or four in that particular game. To get back here, in front of the crowd, big performances from big individuals

"I thought Mo was excellent. [Dominik] Szoboszlai yet again was brilliant. Konate, Van Dijk they looked a lot more assured. The work rate was better, they put in a shift for each other today.

"They were quite comfortable. That's what we've come to expect from them here. But still, they've had to deliver under intense pressure off everybody. And that's what good players do, you have to respond."

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