Skip to main content
Van Dijk is right about Liverpool's special season (so far)
JAMES NALTON discusses how in some ways, Slot’s Reds are being criticised for their own success and are right in wanting to change the narrative
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk (right) celebrates scoring their side's fourth goal of the game with team-mates during the Carabao Cup Semi-Final, second leg match at Anfield, Liverpool, February 6, 2025

IT WAS put to Virgil van Dijk after the Merseyside derby win against Everton on Wednesday that Liverpool’s season might seem less special due to recent defeats in the Champions League and League Cup.

It is a narrative that has been doing the rounds lately, and one Van Dijk is right to want to change.

Ironically, if Liverpool had gone out of the League Cup early and had not been so dominant in the league phase of the Champions League, their season might be held in higher regard than it currently is in some quarters.

In some ways, they are being criticised for their own success. These high-profile defeats only happen to good teams who are able to progress in multiple competitions, and, as Van Dijk says, those cup defeats should not take away from a so far special league season.

“So you’re suggesting this season is not going to be special any more?” Van Dijk said, answering a question posed post-match by Michael Owen.

“I think we have to change that narrative a little bit.

Donate to the Fighting Fund
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Zhao Xintong during his match against Jak Jones (not pictured), during day three of the Halo World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield. Picture date: Monday April 21, 202
Snooker / 26 April 2025
26 April 2025

JAMES NALTON hails the rise of the number of Chinese players heading to the Crucible   

Everton fans in the stands ahead of the Premier League match at Goodison Park, Liverpool, April 19, 2025
Men’s football / 21 April 2025
21 April 2025

As the historic ground prepares for its emotional farewell, even visiting teams like Manchester City are paying tribute to one of English football’s most storied stadiums, writes JAMES NALTON

Manchester City fans hold a banner in protest of ticket rese
Men’s football / 18 April 2025
18 April 2025

A new front in the fight for football’s soul is emerging — one rooted in trade union values and collective power

The referee spots the pink ball on day fourteen of the 2024
Snooker / 11 April 2025
11 April 2025
As the 2025 World Snooker Championship looms, the road to Sheffield is already alive with drama, from teenage prodigies to legendary veterans, writes JAMES NALTON
Similar stories
Men's Football / 17 April 2025
17 April 2025
Liverpool's Luis Diaz (right) celebrates scoring their side'
Men’s Football / 2 January 2025
2 January 2025
Liverpool manager Arne Slot waves to the fans after the UEFA
Men's football / 29 November 2024
29 November 2024
Liverpool's Arne Slot during the pre-season friendly match a
Men’s Football / 23 August 2024
23 August 2024
JAMES NALTON writes how Liverpool’s post-Klopp era hits home as new Dutch manager prepares to take charge of his first competitive home game