“We could not have a better fixture with which to resume our Premier League campaign. After a longer gap than usual between league matches, we are all really looking forward to this game, a big and important test for us against the league leaders,” van Dijk wrote.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has described Sunday’s Premier League clash against Manchester City as a “big challenge” that his side will relish, with the former champions set to resume their campaign after the international break at Anfield. In his column in the matchday programme, van Dijk said the fixture against the league leaders would provide an important test for Liverpool as they continue to develop as a team and seek greater consistency in their performances.
Liverpool head into the contest after a win over Bournemouth, with van Dijk highlighting the team’s defensive organisation, collective effort and determination as key positives from that performance. “We know the quality that City possess all over the pitch, and we will have to be at our best if we are to get what we want. It is a big challenge, but it is one we will relish. These are the games every player looks forward to, for sure,” he added. Liverpool, meanwhile, are seventh in the standings with nine points from five games, having recorded two wins and three draws.
Manchester City arrive at Anfield as the only team to have won all five of their opening Premier League matches in the 2026-27 season.
“We stuck together, we defended well as a team, and we worked extremely hard to secure the three points in what is always a really tough away game,” he said.
However, the Dutch defender stressed that Liverpool must build on that display and produce consistent results as they look to climb the league table.
He acknowledged the quality of Manchester City’s squad and said Liverpool would need to perform at their best to secure a positive result against the visitors.
