Adversity is making Reds STRONGER

VAN DIJK EMBRACES THE CRITICISM AS HE REVEALS PRIDE IN IBOU REACTION

- By IAN DOYLE Chief LFC Writer [e-mail] @lanDoyleSport

T was a fitting end to an emotional Anfield evening.

And as the Liverpool play ers, including Alisson Becker, rushed to congratulate Ibrahima Konate on the goal that capped victory over Newcastle United on Saturday, it high lighted a squad that remains united despite the problems of such a difficult season.

Virgil van Dijk, though, is not surprised. "I don’t think there has been any question about that internally," he said. “I don’t think there's any disharmony.

“There are obviously challenges that happen and everyone is dealing with certain situations in a different way.

“It’s also about dealing with it together and how we are going to fix it and change things around. That's something that makes you stronger as a team and if you come out of it - like we should do hopefully as we have the quality - then I think it can only improve you as a team and as a player as well.”

The injury-time strike from Konate that sealed a 4-1 win came on his first appearance after choosing to help an injury-hit defence by returning early from compassionate leave following the death of his father last month.

“He was outstanding,” said centre-back partner van Dijk. “I'm very proud of him, the per formance before the goal was outstanding in my opinion and for him to then get the cherry on top with the goal, it was written in the stars.