Virgil van Dijk says he can be overly harsh on Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson because he knows how special they are.
Van Dijk’s influence has been unrivalled since he joined Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018, both in terms of quality and leadership.
While Jordan Henderson is the club captain, and a good one at that, the Dutchman is the more natural leader.
He is often seen berating teammates during matches, invariably in a constructive manner, and the Reds’ Premier League title challenge has been inspired by his organisational brilliance at the back.
Alexander-Arnold and Robertson are two Liverpool players who often bear the brunt of Van Dijk’s frustration, but much like a proud father, he told LiverpoolFC.com he only does it to improve them further:
They are having outstanding seasons and I am always a bit hard on them because I want them to do very well, like Robbo always says in the media!
But I am enjoying every bit of it, seeing them perform like this.
They are fantastic players, full of confidence and they should be full of confidence because they’re performing at such a high level.
I said to Robbo the other day that he needs to get some goals as well to be even better, but that’s just me wanting to push him to improve even more!
That’s something I like, to push him – and Trent the same.
All three players have been vital elements in a Liverpool back-line that has conceded just 15 league goals this season.
They will hope to keep that record the same when Burnley visit Anfield on Sunday lunchtime.
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