Virgil van Dijk hailed Liverpool’s latest Premier League triumph as “special” after the Reds crushed Tottenham 5-1 on Sunday to clinch a record-equalling 20th English top-flight crown.
Arne Slot’s men needed just a point to seal the title but delivered a thrilling performance at Anfield, much to the delight of the packed home crowd. Tottenham briefly threatened to spoil the celebrations when Dominic Solanke headed them into an early lead, but Liverpool responded emphatically. First-half goals from Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister, and Cody Gakpo turned the match around before Mohamed Salah and a Destiny Udogie own goal completed the rout.
Reflecting on the emotional afternoon, Van Dijk, who lifted the trophy as captain, said it was a moment he and his teammates would never take for granted.
“It’s special and it’s something that we don’t take for granted. It’s amazing,” Van Dijk said.
“A lot of emotions before the game, during the whole week, but we got the job done and we are truly deserved champions of England. The most beautiful club in the world and I think we deserve all of this. Let’s enjoy the next couple of weeks and let it sink in.”
Liverpool’s previous league title win came in the 2019-20 season, but pandemic restrictions meant fans were unable to celebrate inside Anfield. For Van Dijk, being able to savour this triumph with the supporters made the experience even more meaningful.
After the final whistle, Van Dijk joined his teammates, Slot, and the backroom staff to link arms and lead the famous ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ anthem in front of the Kop, with thousands of scarves waving across the stadium.
“I was desperate to win it for them and all the fans around the world, and for us as well,” he added.
“We have won two Premier League trophies in five years!”
The victory not only confirmed Liverpool’s return to the summit of English football but also matched Manchester United’s record of 20 league titles, further fuelling the club’s fierce rivalry with their Manchester counterparts.
