Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been told Virgil van Dijk is getting closer to his best once again as the Reds continue their late charge for Champions League qualification.
Six victories on the bounce have propelled Liverpool up to fifth place in the Premier League standings and they are now only one point behind Manchester United in fourth position. However, their arch rivals do still have a game in hand after slumping to back-to-back defeats.
Mohamed Salah plundered home the winner for Liverpool against Fulham on Saturday afternoon. However, the role played by teammate Van Dijk at Anfield has been highlighted as key in picking up three points.
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Alisson, van Dijk and Salah were all named in the BBC Sport Team of the Week chosen by their long-serving pundit Garth Crooks. It came after Van Dijk provided an assist and helped to keep a clean sheet.
"It might not be the best season Virgil van Dijk's ever had, but Liverpool are putting a run together that just might save their season," said Crooks. "Van Dijk has never been quite the same since the injury sustained in a clash with Jordan Pickford, but he's getting there.
"He can't make the recovery runs he used to and on the odd occasion he's dispossessed or someone gets a march on him - a point highlighted when Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford turned him on the halfway line and raced half the length of the pitch before putting the ball in the back of the net.
"Fortunately for Liverpool and Van Dijk, the goal was ruled offside. That wouldn't have happened three years ago. Nevertheless, the inspirational Netherlands defender is starting to look more and more dangerous in the opposition's penalty area.
"His beautifully controlled header back for Salah to score was as intelligent as it was unselfish."
Addressing his decision to also name Alisson and Salah alongside van Dijk in the weekly team, Crooks added: "Alisson is a remarkable goalkeeper. He's one of the best keepers in the world when it comes to a one-on-one situation with an advancing striker.
"To keep 100 clean sheets with one club is quite a statement. I didn't appreciate goalkeepers actually counted clean sheets, but if strikers count goals I see no reason why they shouldn't.
"Seven goals in seven games is the biggest indicator to date Mohamed Salah is returning to the form that has won him iconic status at Anfield. To have also scored 30 goals in three consecutive seasons is an extraordinary achievement."
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