Arne Slot reveals 'loudest' Liverpool star driving training standards

Arne Slot has revealed Liverpool’s loudest player as he lauded the star for his unwavering standards.

A summer of change at Anfield saw Slot given the task of replacing Jurgen Klopp with the help of the German’s loyal team, and the Dutchman has started life in the job extremely positively with the Reds top of the Premier League table heading into the weekend.

Ahead of the mouth-watering contest at home against Chelsea on Sunday, Slot lauded captain Virgil van Dijk for setting the standards in training. The 33-year-old has been his ever-reliable self at the beginning of the campaign, with the stalwart center to the Reds defense which has conceded a league-low of just two goals in seven games.

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Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Slot lauded Van Dijk’s impact on the club. “He has been crucial for us, like many others, but Virgil definitely as well. From what you guys see on the pitch, there we see all the same how good he is and he still is in defense [and] how much he contributes to our offensive side to our play,” the Reds boss said.

“But what you guys don't see and what I do see is how important he also is on the training ground. He's always the one that's most loud during the sessions, he always brings a lot of energy into our sessions and quality as well.

“What you see during the weekends is also what I see during the week and that's what you're hoping for if you have a captain that is not only showing his performances in the weekend but also during the week. He's definitely our leader.”

Liverpool are back in action against Chelsea following the international break, which wasn’t a happy one for Van Dijk, who saw red in the Netherlands 1-1 draw against Hungary, leaving him suspended for the 1-0 defeat against Germany in the Nations League.

Slot leapt to the defense of his compatriot as he launched criticism at the Dutch media after Van Dijk was slammed by the country’s press following his red card. “If you come from Holland you know the Dutch media are all about criticism,” Slot said.

“If there’s a chance to criticize, they will find a way. I don’t think he deserved it. It’s completely normal that you have a few days off with the way the schedule is. “Virgil has been crucial for us. You can see how good he is in defense and how much he contributes to our play, but what you don’t see is how important he is on the training pitch. He’s always the one who is the most loud, bringing a lot of energy and quality into our sessions. He’s definitely our leader.”