Liverpool hope to hold on to the momentum they had before the international break as they prepare to face Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday.
After seven games, Liverpool lead the Premier League table and have emerged as a contender to win the league alongside Manchester City and Arsenal.
Liverpool’s only blemish this season was the defeat at Nottingham Forest and the result came straight after the last international break in September.
The Merseyside giants hope to avoid such a scenario on Sunday and Arne Slot believes he has the leaders and players in his squad to keep the team going.
There has been a lot of speculation about the future of Virgil van Dijk at Anfield as his current deal expires next year and he is yet to sign a new contract with the club also looking at replacements for him.
The Liverpool captain has been imperious on the pitch this season and has been the leader of the defence that has conceded just two league goals thus far.
Arne Slot stresses the importance of the Liverpool captain in the team
The Liverpool manager insisted that his compatriot has been crucial to the team playing well this season and everyone can see how he contributes in sustaining attacks as well.
However, Slot insisted that he gets to see the other side Van Dijk in training that no one gets a glimpse of.
He stressed that the leadership Van Dijk provides during games is the same as he does on the training pitch by being loud and setting examples for his teammates.
The Reds boss stressed that the Dutchman is the leader of the Liverpool team in the truest sense of the word.
“He has been crucial for us”, Slot said in a press conference.
“From what you guys see on the pitch, we all see how good he still is and how much he contributes to our offensive style.
“What you guys don’t see and I do is how important he is in the sessions, he is loud, and brings quality to it.
“What you see at the weekend, I see in the week and that is what you want to see.
“He is definitely our leader.”
