Virgil van Dijk has cautioned Chelsea against underestimating a Liverpool team that is not without Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah.
The team led by Jurgen Klopp demonstrated their ability to score goals even without two of their main players midweek as they overcame a 1-0 deficit to defeat Luton 4-1 thanks to a strong second half display.
Prior to tomorrow’s Carabao Cup final, both players will have late fitness checks. Last weekend, Salah experienced weariness in his first game back at Brentford following a month-long absence due to a hamstring injury, and Nunez was substituted at halftime in the same encounter as a precaution.
Liverpool looks less dangerous up front even if Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz have both scored in double figures, with Diogo Jota—their second-highest scorer this season—already ruled out.
Van Dijk, nevertheless, insisted that Chelsea should not regard it as an easier challenge as they look to exact revenge for their two-year ago League Cup final penalty-filled loss.
“It’s their problem if they treat us casually. We have no control over that fear element,” the captain of the Netherlands remarked. “I believe that the new guys need to prove that they are incorrect. That seems to be the only course of action.
“I believe our quality is sufficient to read our opponents. New players must demonstrate that.
“In order to see results, everyone must stand up, and those who participate must perform.
“I think if you play for Liverpool, you’re quite a good player already, so go out there and make everyone proud.”
After Jordan Henderson left the team in the summer, Van Dijk took over as captain. Having watched his predecessor celebrate winning the Premier League, Champions League, League and FA Cup, and Club World Cup, this is his first chance to raise a trophy.
The Dutchman continued, “It’s important, but the most important thing is to try and win the game. After that, we’ll see what happens.” I picture myself leading the boys out, but I don’t consider lifting anything in my mind. I’ve been trying my best to be the boys’ leader both on and off the pitch, and so far, so good.
“I’m considering the significant task that lies before of us. I hope we can turn it into a fantastic afternoon.
