Champions tag truly deserved insists Van Dijk

LIVERPOOL captain Virgil van Dijk hailed his side as the “truly deserved” champions of England after they secured the Premier League title with four games to spare.

- By PHIL CASEY

A 5-1 victory over Tottenham at Anfield saw the Reds crowned English champions for the 20th time, equalling Manchester United's record.

“It’s special and it’s something that we don't take for granted. It’s amazing,” Van Dijk said.

“A lot of emotions before the game, during the whole week, but we got the job done and we (are) truly deserved champions of England.

“(Liverpool is) the most beautiful club in the world and I think we deserve all of this. Let's enjoy the next couple of weeks and let it sink in.”

Liverpool’s title triumph is their second in five years and came in Arne Slot's first season since succeeding Jurgen Klopp.