Arne Slot explains why Van Dijk is ‘vital’ to Liverpool this season

Arne Slot has publicly praised Virgil van Dijk ahead of Liverpool’s FA Cup clash with Brighton, describing the captain as “vital” to the way we function both defensively and offensively.

Speaking at the AXA Training Centre on Friday morning via Liverpool FC on YouTube, the 47-year-old head coach was asked about the importance of the Netherlands international following another commanding display in the 1-0 win over Sunderland.

Van Dijk scored the only goal of the game at the Stadium...