Van Dijk Defends Kerkez - Discusses Salah's Future at Liverpool

Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool's captain, defended 22-year-old left-back Milos Kerkez, emphasizing his ongoing development while also hoping Mohamed Salah will stay with the team. Kerkez recently transferred from Bournemouth to Liverpool for 40 million pounds and was initially heavily criticized for his on-field performance, but has gradually been adapting. Van Dijk commented, "It's clear he's developing. He's young and getting familiar with being a Liverpool player. It's more than just kicking a ball, especially when the team isn't consistent. It's not easy to play your best game." "With Rob's [Andy Robertson's] help and everyone in the team, including his own development, I think he's making significant progress," van Dijk added. "I see there's still a lot for him to learn and develop, but there are also good things. He just needs to keep moving forward, he's full of energy, he's young." Regarding Salah's future, van Dijk said, "Right now, we need to focus on trying to finish the season as best as possible. Then we'll see what happens at the end - and you never know what will happen in football." He added, "I always want Mo to stay because we're friends and we've been through a lot together. He's like me, with one year left on his contract, so we'll wait and see."