Van Dijk: “You don’t need to study strikers any more”

Liverpool midfielder Virgil van Dijk has insisted he is aware of what to expect from Danny Ings when Southampton arrive at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

Virgil van Dijku spent three years with Southampton before joining Liverpool for 88 million euros in January 2018. The Dutchman played alongside Ings during his first six months at Anfield, before the English striker spent at Stamford Mary’s Bridge.

Ings will try to improve the stats of 14 goals in 24 Premier League appearances this season when he returns to Anfield this weekend, but Van Dijku is confident he will be able to keep his former team mate silent.

“He has been the key man for Southampton and helped them completely change the situation they are in. I am very happy for him and very happy for the club. I hope they continue well, but on Saturday we will try to beat them,” Van Dijk said.

“At this stage, you no longer have to study strikers anymore. Normally, you now know their strengths and weaknesses. You try to prepare yourself as best as possible. But most of the time, you’re 100 percent ready.”

“The strikers we face now are strikers against whom we have played many times.”

Van Dijku has helped Liverpool win three major trophies since his arrival, including the Champions League and the World Cup for Clubs, and this season aims to add Premier League gold to his collection.