Virgil van Dijk Praises Wirtz's 'Incredible Talent'

Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk hails Florian Wirtz's quality after the midfielder's impressive performance against Sunderland.

“He's an outstanding, world-class player, in my eyes, who can only become even better but it will take a bit of time...”

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has acknowledged that Mohamed Salah's recent poor form means he doesn't have 'unlimited credit' at the club. Salah was left out of Liverpool's team for the second successive match, having been an unused substitute for Sunday's win at West Ham and being on the bench for the 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland on Wednesday.

Van Dijk said that no player at the club has “unlimited credit” after Salah's omission, stating that the decision was made for the good of the team. Salah has scored 17 goals in all competitions this season, but his recent performances have been underwashing, leading to questions about his place in the team.

It's been a tough season for Mohamed Salah, who's struggling to replicate his previous form. The Egyptian international has been goalless in five matches, and his last five league starts have yielded just one goal. This recent dip in form has led to questions about his place in the team, with Liverpool leaving him out of the starting lineup for the second successive match.

Salah was brought on in the second half against Sunderland, but struggled to make an impact, and it's the first time in his Anfield career that he's not started back-to-back league matches. Van Dijk was asked if Salah's omission sent a message to the dressing room, and he replied: “That's always been the case. It's not like you have unlimited credit, everyone has to perform.” Van Dijk emphasized that no player is bigger than the team, and everyone is expected to deliver.

“Mo has been doing that but the manager made that decision in the last two games. We all want the best for the club.

“I am pretty sure Mo will still be a big part of what we are trying to achieve because he is an amazing player and he has shown it consistently.”

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk praised playmaker Florian Wirtz, whose shot deflected in off Sunderland defender Nordi Mukiele for a late equaliser. “Florian Wirtz showed his quality again. He's an incredible talent, we knew that. We just need him to keep doing what he's doing,” Van Dijk said.

🚨 Van Dijk on Flo Wirtz: “There’s a very good reason why a club like us bought him: he’s an outstanding, world-class player in my eyes”.

“He can only become even better but it will take a bit of time. For him he has to stay level-headed, don’t get too high, don’t get too low”. pic.twitter.com/sUnkRe827h

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 4, 2025

Florian Wirtz, who joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m, is showing encouraging signs after a tough start to life at Anfield. Van Dijk believes Wirtz will continue to grow and become a key player for the team.

“There's a very good reason why a club like us bought him,” said Van Dijk. “He's an outstanding, world-class player, in my eyes, who can only become even better but it will take a bit of time.

“For him he has to stay level-headed. Don't get dragged into the outside world of when it's very good or very bad and don't get dragged into the numbers game.

“Nowadays there are a lot of eyes on you if you score goals or have an assist or keep clean sheets but it is also about what you see and the contribution you have for the team.”