Virgil van Dijk points finger at four Liverpool players for their performances at PSG

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has highlighted the crucial role played by four of his teammates in their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last-16 first-leg clash. While much of the praise has rightfully been directed toward goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who delivered an outstanding performance, Van Dijk insists that Liverpool’s substitutes also played a decisive part in securing the win.

Liverpool found themselves under immense pressure for large portions of the game, as PSG relentlessly attacked, registering a staggering 27 shots compared to Liverpool’s two. Despite the onslaught, the Reds held firm, with Alisson producing save after save to keep the Parisians at bay. His heroics kept Liverpool in the game long enough for Harvey Elliott to net a late winner, giving Arne Slot’s side an important advantage heading into the second leg at Anfield.

Van Dijk, speaking in his pre-match notes ahead of Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Southampton, emphasized the collective effort behind the victory. He acknowledged the brilliance of Alisson but was keen to stress the impact of the substitutes, particularly Elliott, Darwin Núñez, Wataru Endo, and Curtis Jones, who helped swing the game in Liverpool’s favor.

“It is never easy to play away from home in the Champions League, especially against a side with as much quality and intensity as PSG has,” Van Dijk noted. “We knew even before a ball was kicked that there would be times in the game where we would have to suffer, and that’s exactly what happened.”

The Dutch defender acknowledged that while Alisson’s performance was extraordinary, Liverpool’s resilience was a result of their collective mentality. He praised the way his teammates dug deep, especially when coming off the bench, to ensure the team remained competitive.

Harvey Elliott’s goal may have been the defining moment, but Van Dijk made sure to highlight the contributions of others. “Harvey and Darwin combined brilliantly for the winning goal, but don’t overlook what Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones did as well. They showed exactly the right attitude coming into a tough game and helped secure the advantage for us.”

Endo’s introduction provided much-needed stability in midfield, helping Liverpool regain control in the dying moments of the match. Curtis Jones, meanwhile, was instrumental in maintaining composure, showing maturity beyond his years in a high-pressure environment.

Liverpool’s defensive unit was stretched to its limits as PSG’s star-studded attack, featuring Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Vitinha, constantly probed for openings. However, Van Dijk and his fellow defenders stood firm, repelling attack after attack, aided by Alisson’s sensational reflexes.

Despite the triumph in Paris, Van Dijk remains cautious about the second leg. “Of course, the job still needs to be finished at Anfield next week. It’s only half-time, and there is a lot of work still to be done,” he warned. “We expect a really tough test in the second leg, but before that, we have to focus on Southampton. Hopefully, Anfield will be extremely noisy and vibrant to help push us forward.”

Liverpool’s win has put them in a strong position to advance to the quarterfinals, but Van Dijk’s message is clear—complacency must be avoided. He knows PSG possess the quality to turn the tie around, and any lapse in concentration could prove costly.

The leadership shown by Van Dijk, both on and off the pitch, has been invaluable for Liverpool this season. His ability to organize the defense, remain composed under pressure, and inspire his teammates has played a key role in the club’s success under Arne Slot.

For Alisson, the match in Paris will be remembered as one of his finest performances in a Liverpool shirt. The Brazilian goalkeeper has produced countless world-class displays since joining the club, but his heroics at the Parc des Princes were arguably among his best. His post-match admission that it was “the best performance of his life” only underlines just how special the night was.

Harvey Elliott’s rise at Liverpool continues to impress, with his latest goal adding another memorable moment to his young career. The 20-year-old midfielder has been growing in confidence and has become a vital asset in Liverpool’s squad, capable of changing games with his energy and technical ability.

Darwin Núñez, who provided the crucial assist for Elliott’s goal, has also been finding his rhythm in recent weeks. While his finishing has been inconsistent at times, his work rate and physicality have given Liverpool another dimension in attack.

Meanwhile, Wataru Endo’s impact since arriving at Anfield has been steadily growing. The Japanese international has adapted well to the demands of English football and has proven to be a reliable presence in midfield when called upon.

As Liverpool prepare for the return leg at Anfield, the focus will be on maintaining their defensive solidity while looking for opportunities to extend their advantage. With the home crowd behind them, Van Dijk and his teammates will be determined to complete the job and secure their place in the quarterfinals.

While PSG will come to England with a point to prove, Liverpool’s resilience and fighting spirit could be the decisive factors in determining the outcome of the tie. With Alisson in goal, Van Dijk leading the defense, and impact players like Elliott, Núñez, Endo, and Jones stepping up when needed, the Reds will be confident of finishing what they started in Paris.