Van Dijk outlines new Liverpool reality as captain sends Salah message to £100m men

Van Dijk backs Isak, Barcola and Wirtz to lead Liverpool's new era after Salah's departure, following a 2-0 win over Brighton that moved the Reds to fourth.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has challenged the club's £100m+ signings to spearhead a new chapter of success under Andoni Iraola after Sunday's 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion lifted them to fourth place.

Van Dijk acknowledged that no player can replicate Mohamed Salah's nine-year contribution following his May exit to Trabzonspor, but expressed confidence that Alexander Isak, Bradley Barcola and Florian Wirtz—who have cost £364m combined—can fill the void. The trio have registered six goals and three assists in the last four games, with Isak scoring and Barcola assisting in Sunday's win, while Wirtz's deflection off Pascal Gross opened the scoring.

"It is the reality," Van Dijk said. "What Mo has done for so many years as a winger... I don't think anyone can replicate that. But now it is time for others, and others have to step up." He praised the performance, noting Liverpool kept a clean sheet and won their fourth successive game under Iraola. The Reds have now won eight of their last ten across all competitions, with just one defeat this season.