Virgil van Dijk reveals what he told Alexander Isak and makes 'unnecessary' Liverpool admission

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Alexander Isak and Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool applaud fans after the Champions League match against Atletico Madrid at Anfield on September 17 2025(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Virgil van Dijk has revealed the message he gave Alexander Isak ahead of the British record signing's Liverpool debut - but admits Arne Slot's side are making matters "unnecessary" for themselves after more late Anfield drama.

Van Dijk netted in the second minute of injury time to earn the Reds a 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid in their Champions League opener on Wednesday evening.

Isak, who arrived on deadline day for £125million from Newcastle United, featured for 58 minutes and twice forced Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak into saves while showing signs of an understanding with another summer signing, £116m attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz.

And Van Dijk is convinced Isak has already shown he can make an impact should he feature in Saturday's Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield.

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“Very good," said the Liverpool skipper when asked for his assessment of Isak's display.

"I said (to him before the game) 'just do you thing and enjoy the whole thing and be important'.

"That is not obviously with goals but link-up play and pressing as well and I think that was very good from him.

He has to recover and be ready for Saturday, whether he starts or not he will have to be there and ready to help us as well.

“The new guys need a bit of time, that's normal, but they all did well and we keep going."

Van Dijk's goal was the fifth time in succession Liverpool have sealed victory with a goal in the 83rd minute or later, having seen an early lead earned by goals from Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah wiped out by a Marcos Llorente double.

It was also the third time this season the Reds have surrendered a two-goal lead, and the centre-back said: "It was a little bit unnecessary.

And Van Dijk has explained how the new signings will be prepared for the 247th meeting between the teams.

“Obviously, you don't let them work it out for themselves," said Van Dijk.

I'm not worried.

"The guys who are here have played in good stadiums, good games – not the Merseyside derby, obviously - but I am confident they will be absolutely fine."

Everton have enjoyed a good start to the season under David Moyes and are likely to follow the example of Burnley and Atletico in putting the onus on Liverpool to break down their defence.

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And Van Dijk added: "It is a challenge.