Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says the team is fully together and moving forward as one after Mohamed Salah Liverpool return in Saturday’s win over Brighton. The Reds claimed a 2-0 victory, with Salah coming off the bench and providing an assist in his first appearance since last weekend’s controversy.
Salah had been left out of the squad following Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Leeds, after he said he had been “thrown under the bus” by the club. The 33-year-old also missed the midweek Champions League win against Inter Milan. However, after talks with manager Arne Slot, he was recalled for the Brighton game and made an immediate impact.
Speaking after the match, Van Dijk said the squad showed unity during a difficult week. He stressed that everyone is focused on moving forward together. Van Dijk also marked a personal milestone, making his 250th Premier League appearance for Liverpool in the same game.
Salah is set to join the Egypt national team on Monday for the Africa Cup of Nations. If Egypt reaches the final on 18 January, he could miss up to eight Liverpool matches.
Van Dijk said the team hopes Salah has a successful tournament and returns ready to play a key role for the rest of the season. He also admitted that football can be unpredictable and that decisions around Salah’s future involve more than just the players.
Van Dijk also praised manager Arne Slot for handling the situation calmly. Liverpool are now unbeaten in five matches since their Champions League defeat to PSV at Anfield. The defender said there has been outside pressure and criticism due to the team not matching the standards of recent seasons but believes togetherness is the key.
He added that Liverpool has always been a club that sticks together in both good and difficult moments. According to Van Dijk, the current phase is an important test of character for the players, the club, and the fans, and so far, the response has been positive.