Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is motivated for the new season after a season in which his performances and those of his team have been criticized

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk says he is motivated for the new season with the arrival of new players and speaks with Jurgen Klopp.

By his own standards, it was a disappointing season for Van Dijk which coincided with a disappointing season for the Reds. At the start of January, it looked like European football would not return to Anfield.

But a twist of fate and a late resurgence secured a place in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, Liverpool are facing a midfield overhaul. Alexis Mac Allister has arrived as the first piece of the puzzle as Klopp continues to recruit players to strengthen his squad.

Every day a number of players are thrown with moves across Merseyside. Khephren Thuram is one of them, with the OGC Nice midfielder topping Reds boss Klopp’s summer shortlist.

A defensive addition can also be made. But there is no doubt that Van Dijk will remain a vital member of Liverpool’s backline. And the 31-year-old admits he is thrilled with the form shown at the end of the 2022-23 season and with future business.

Van Dijk said: “I still have two years on my contract and I think they (Liverpool) still think I’m important to the team. If not, I’m sure I would have heard about it.

“My contact with the manager is good and I feel very positive about things again. The way we finished the season motivates me to enter the pre-season with the arrival of the new players.”

When Liverpool’s form deteriorated last season, critics began to target Van Dijk for his performances.

Prominent footballing figures in England and his native Netherlands spoke, with Jamie Carragher, Roy Keane, Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten also having their say on the £75million man.

Van Dijk has debated their views since the curtain fell on the campaign, but added that he has learned a lot on and off the pitch and has urged popular figures to reflect on their actions.

The Holland captain said: “I don’t feel too old to be vulnerable. It’s been a pretty intense season, with a lot of ups and downs and people need to understand that we’re not robots.

It’s been a year where I’ve learned a lot , especially off the pitch and certainly mentally.

“It’s never smooth sailing in football, but this season has been a shocker. Sometimes the criticisms were justified, both on the team and on me individually.

But very often it was not quite right. Either way, you have to be able to handle it – and I’m glad I came out well. Mentally it’s not always easy.”

“Criticism is part of it – and it’s certainly not a problem if it’s justified,” Van Dijk continued. “But a footballer knows when he has played well or badly.

Some comments are meant to be controversial and are said only to be said. There are so many platforms these days for people to voice their opinions.

“The problem is that as a footballer you can’t really say much back. If you do that once, the puppets immediately dance.

I’m someone who deliberately doesn’t read, don’t listen or don’t watch much.” I can shut down. But you hear a lot from other people and then you can’t help it.”

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According to Fabrizio Romano “keep an eye on LFC,” Jurgen Klopp has reiterated his desire for a top-tier playmaker earning £154k per week.

Leading transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Jurgen Klopp is a “big fan” of Nicolo Barella of Inter Milan.

While Liverpool, whose need to rebuild their midfield is well known, have been hinted to approach the Serie A giants for a potential summer deal, the Italian playmaker is believed to be a target for Newcastle United, who are worth less than £100 million.

Additionally, German coach Klopp reportedly has a lot of admiration for the former Cagliari midfielder and recently updated on the Reds’ pursuit, according to Romano, who recently spoke on his YouTube channel.

The Italian transfer market expert advised “keeping an eye on Liverpool, as Liverpool have always followed the player, as far as Barella is concerned.”.

We’ll have to wait and see what transpires at Liverpool, but Jurgen Klopp has always been a big fan of Barella. “.