Virgil van Dijk sends Liverpool dressing room message after Bournemouth win

Virgil van Dijk has told Liverpool's fringe stars to stay ready - as everyone has a part to play in their Premier League title push.

The imperious Dutchman, who captained the Reds to a crucial clean sheet on the South Coast, is adamant Arne Slot's star-studded squad has returned to full fitness at the perfect time.

A fit Federico Chiesa was left out of the travelling squad on Saturday while Bournemouth's youthful bench was filled with academy talent.

Van Dijk, speaking after Mohamed Salah's stunning double at the Vitality, claimed Liverpool's depth can help them sustain a serious challenge on all fronts during the business end of the season.

He said: "First of all, on Bournemouth because I've mentioned it before, it's a big credit to them how they were performing even with all the injuries they had.

"For us personally, we need everyone, we need everyone to push each other but we need everyone to be consistent and in form as well. We're in all the competitions still so we need everyone to participate.

"The boys that came on today did well and that's what we need, I think throughout the whole season those that come on have made an impact and that's the positive thing about the squad. Everyone needs to feel part of it and I think that's the case with us."

Liverpool are now 19 matches unbeaten in the Premier League but history has proven that blistering form does not always equate to titles.

Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)

Van Dijk wants Jurgen Klopp's old guard - those that lifted the trophy aloft in 2020 - to carry Arne Slot's table-toppers over the line.

The colossal defender continued: "Yeah of course, we have the share our experience That's part of life or football in general.

"Cody [Gakpo] also mentioned that we have to stay calm. Things like that are very important. We have to put our full focus on everything that's ahead of you. The guys played in Holland while we rested, we treat everyone with the utmost respect and they deserved it."

Liverpool now switch attention to the Carabao Cup semi-final as they bid to overturn the 1-0 deficit against injury-ravaged Tottenham.

When asked if the victory at Bournemouth felt like a statement win - Van Dijk was reluctant to provide such assurances.

Image: AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images)

The Reds skipper explained: "Hopefully at the end of the season we can say that. We'll have a few days off then we'll fully focus on turning the tie around against Spurs which is going to be difficult as well.

"I'm looking forward to it and then we'll see at the end of the season if they were statement wins but I don't want to put a label on a particular win as we have 15 games left in the Premier League and hopefully many more in other competitions too."

Van Dijk insists nobody at Liverpool is interested in the league table - not until May, at least.

He concluded: "Why should we look at the table on the first of February? There's no point. We don't look at it. I've said it many times.

"We just have to focus on the games that we face. If the gap is big or close, we have to just try and win our games because that's the only thing we have influence on."

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