"The way we worked today" - Virgil van Dijk speaks out after Liverpool beat AC Milan at San Siro 

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has hailed his team's performance in their UEFA Champions League win over AC Milan on Tuesday night (September 17). The Merseysiders secured a 3-1 victory over the Serie A side at the San Siro in their preliminary league-phase fixture of the tournament. Arne Slot's side had a poor start to the match as Christian Pulisic put AC Milan 1-0 up within the first three minutes.

Liverpool bounced back and took the lead after headers from Ibrahima Konate (23') and Van Dijk (41'). Dominik Szoboszlai's 67th-minute strike sealed all three points for the Reds, who are third in the Champions League standings after their first win.

Speaking after the game, Virgil van Dijk said of his side's display (via Tribal Football):

“A goal and a win at the San Siro after a difficult start. The way we worked today after the start was outstanding."

This victory comes after Liverpool's 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League last weekend (September 14), which Van Dijk said was a frustrating loss. He added:

"Obviously it was very disappointing at the weekend in so many ways, especially the last part of that game. It was very frustrating to witness and be part of, but we had a chance to put it right and I think we did."

The Dutch defender concluded:

“Like I said, a shaky start with the goal that we conceded; that started from the side, we were late, everywhere we were late and they capitalized on it. But after that, the way we stayed calm and kept playing and kept looking for the solution, it was very good to see.”

The Reds will next face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday (September 21).

Pundit expects Liverpool star Mohamed Salah to leave next summer

Glen Johnson expects Mohamed Salah to leave Anfield next summer after his contract expires. The pundit believes Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk will remain at Liverpool.

Salah, Alexander-Arnold, and Van Dijk have played instrumental roles in the Reds's success over the years under Jurgen Klopp. All three Liverpool superstars have their contracts expiring in 2025 and there has been speculation over their futures.

While concrete talks over an extension are yet to take place for every player, Johnson believes it would be ill-advised for the Reds to let all their star players leave on free transfers.

He said (via GOAL):

“I believe Mo will leave and the other two will stay. Each of them are going to have an endless list of clubs that will want to sign them if they’re available as a free agent and if Liverpool know that any of them aren’t going to sign a new contract, then I believe they’ve been foolish to not cash in. You can’t have players of their calibre walking out on a free.”