Van Dijk Challenges Liverpool's New Attack: "Now It's Time to Take Responsibility"

Virgil van Dijk has urged Liverpool's new signings and young talents in attack to step up a gear and take on more responsibility as the club enters a new era after Mohamed Salah.

Salah, who brought the curtain down on his glittering Anfield career at the end of last season by terminating his contract 1 year early, scored 257 goals in 442 appearances for the club. Only Ian Rush (346) and Roger Hunt (285) sit above the Egyptian star on Liverpool's all-time scoring list. Salah also became the 10th player in Premier League history to be both the top scorer and the top assist provider for a single club, and his 191 league goals put him well clear of Robbie Fowler (128).

Even so, the Reds have started to find their rhythm under Andoni Iraola with the likes of Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, Bradley Barcola and Florian Wirtz. Young talent Rio Ngumoha has also caught the eye in the rotation, making a difference whenever he gets minutes.

Reflecting on Salah's legacy, club captain Van Dijk said: "To be realistic, I don't think anyone can easily replicate what Mo achieved as a winger for so many years. Of course that's what we hope for and what we're working towards, but what he did was incredible. The same goes for Sadio Mane and Bobby Firmino. Now we're at a point where other players need to stand up and take responsibility."

The Dutch defender continued: "You can always think the old days were better, but that can't be the mentality of a club like Liverpool, and it never has been. The club always moves on; there will always be new players who shine in this shirt and carry the team. Now the task is for the players who are here to show their quality on the pitch every 3 or 4 days. The second goal against Brighton was world-class, and there have been plenty of moments this season when they've played really well. If you're at Liverpool's level, you have to do it consistently. That's the real challenge, but it's a great challenge to have. I have full faith that the team will achieve it."

Alexander Isak (6), the Premier League's second-highest scorer this season behind Erling Haaland (9), found the net from Barcola's assist in the 2-0 win over Brighton, helping Liverpool climb to 4th place, 6 points behind leaders Manchester City.