Virgil van Dijk delivers honest Liverpool assessment after dramatic Merseyside derby win over Everton - 'It's below standards'

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Virgil van Dijk insisted that Liverpool must do better after claiming a first Merseyside derby win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium with a last-minute header.

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The Reds captain rose highest from a corner in injury time to earn his side a crucial 2-1 victory over their city rivals.

It meant that Liverpool took a big step towards a top-five finish in the Premier League - and UEFA Champions League football next season.

And Van Dijk claimed that the champions - who have games coming up against Manchester United, Aston Villa and Chelsea - have to "make the best out of this poor season".

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"We've got five more games left against teams that are also fighting for the Champions League spots," he told Sky Sports. "Every game is a big one.

"We are very disappointed as whole for the season that we're having, because of the quality we have. It's below standards.

"But we have to keep fighting, keep going, and make the best out of this poor season we're having. That's the reality, on to the next. Today was a good three points, and next up is Crystal Palace at home, who we couldn't beat for many, many games before."

He added: "Today was massive in the situation that we are, in hunt for the Champions League spots.

"That is definitely not Liverpool-worthy, in my opinion, but it is the reality, and it was important we got the win. I'm glad we did."

Van Dijk also reserved special praise for Mohamed Salah, who put Liverpool in front on his return to the starting XI.

"There will be a lot of words coming out of my mouth in the next couple of weeks about him. But he's so important for us, on and off the pitch," Van Dijk said.

"The appreciation sometimes come when players are gone, but we appreciate him so much. He's an outstanding team-mate to have. We've been through everything together, high and lows. He will still be important for the last five games we have to play.

"It will be emotional for him and his family, for sure, but us as well, because he means a lot to me, to the team and the fans, of course. But first, we still have a job to do. He knows it, that's the main focus."

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Slot: 'We are going to enjoy'

Liverpool boss Arne Slot admitted that his side could have had "a better season", but highlighted the need to take enjoyment from a derby win.

"We are going to enjoy," he told BBC Match of the Day. "My staff, my players and me. There is no difference between us and the fans, we would have loved to have had a better season than we've had.

"But, for obvious reasons, we haven't, and we saw that today. How many times do you have two goalkeepers injured?

"That has been our season, but we managed to win, and that's the most important thing."

Slot added: "The fans have seen us play two incredible teams in PSG and Manchester City, and we've lost them both.

"Throughout the season, all these games, and the limited players available have hurt and cost us quite a lot of points.

"But today is definitively a day for the fans to be happy. That's what we will be."

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