As night falls, at 23:00 GMT, the curtain rises on the highly anticipated 16th round of the Premier League at Liverpool's Anfield home ground against Fulham, who are also not to be underestimated. In this pre-match warm-up, Liverpool captain Van Dyke penned a column on the club's official platform, pouring out his desire for the upcoming showdown and his firm belief in the team's future.
"After a couple of consecutive away trips, plus the unexpected cancellation of last weekend's Merseyside derby, we are eager to return to the familiarity of Anfield this weekend. We understand that every game is crucial and the game against Fulham is no exception." Van Dyke wrote firmly in his column.
Speaking of his opponents, Van Dyke didn't mince words: "Fulham is a team that makes any opponent feel tricky. Their performance against Arsenal last week is a proof of that. They have great players, good coaching, and they play with confidence and belief in every game."
Looking back at the four meetings with Fulham last season, each one was intense. "We are well aware that we have to give 100 percent in order to get all three points in this game." Van Dyke's words reveal a determination to win.
In addition, Van Dyke shared his joy at being named to the FIFPro Team of the Year. "It is an immense honor to be selected alongside the top players in soccer and to be recognized by my peers." He said he was proud of this and has received this nomination for the fourth time in his career.
However, Van Dyke is also conscious of the fact that individual accolades cannot be achieved without the support of the team. "I always say that individuals can only be truly recognized if they are part of a successful team." He paid tribute to his teammates and coaches, as well as Klopp and Slaughter, for their help and support over the past year.
Finally, Van Dyke re-emphasized the importance of the game and hoped that the team would be at their best to bring a feast of victories to the fans. "We will do our best to present a great game for our fans." His words were full of desire for victory.
