Thiago Alcantara makes Virgil van Dijk claim at Liverpool

Thiago Alcantara discussed Virgil Van Dijk's injury last season and Liverpool's aims for the new campaign


Thiago Alcantara has revealed the true extent Virgil van Dijk’s injury had on the Liverpool team as he outlined the Reds’ ambitions for the new season.

The Spanish international was one of several players to endure injury problems throughout last season, limiting him to 24 league games, but is back in contention for a spot in Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Outlining what the team’s aims are for the season, he said, “Do you have the hunger and the desire to win it year after year? That’s our main goal. It doesn't change from last year in terms of objectives.

With van Dijk now back to fitness, the midfielder detailed how Liverpool looked to cope with his injury and the lift his return gives to the side.

“I think both the players and the fans know Virg [van Dijk] is a leader and a main player for us. I think his injury, Joe, and Joel's - they were very big for us in the moment", he said.

“He’s a great leader, great player, with a huge character, so I think we missed him a lot.

“We have strong characters in the team. We have Hendo, we have Millie, we have Fabby, there’s a lot of people that want to have this [leadership] role and share this role as well.

“We tried to fill that void with the eleven players that played and with all the players that were on the bench as well. It was a big loss for us but we don’t look back.”

Looking ahead to the return of a full Anfield, Thiago expressed his delight at having fans back in stadiums.

Despite joining the Reds from Bayern Munich last year, the former Barcelona maestro is yet to experience the Kop in full voice.

“I’m like a kid with a new toy, having fans back in the stadium”, he laughed.

“I’m looking forward to playing in front of them, in front of Anfield with the whole crowd to give us that energy.”
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