Van Dijk "shocked" by Liverpool inconstancy during 2022-23 campaign

The Reds failed to qualify for the Champions League after a turbulent season.

Virgil van Dijk has insisted he did well last season despite Liverpool’s inconsistency throughout the campaign.

The Reds finished fifth in the Premier League, 22 points behind champions Manchester City. Despite making a number of fantastic displays, including a 7-0 thrashing of Manchester United, Jurgen Klopp’s men failed to maintain consistency with their form during the season.

“I have had a turbulent season and I am happy that the last three months went well. I am comfortable in my skin again and am consistent. That’s also what I was used to in the last five years,” the Dutch defender said.

“It was a shock that it was not consistent enough as a team this year. You can only come out of it by dealing with it, inside and outside the pitch. I think I was able to do that well, with help from my wife and people at the club. I’m happy with that.

“To give an example, against Manchester United we won 7-0, but then the next game at Bournemouth you lose 1-0. That’s just very frustrating. Then you look for answers and your form. It went too much with ups and downs, but that’s also part of an athlete’s life.”

Liverpool have already started bolstering their squad ahead of the next season. Alexis Mac Allister is on the verge of joining the Reds while the likes of Mason Mount and Franck Kessie are also on the club’s radar.