Soccer-Liverpool's Van Dijk happy to be held to 'very high standard'

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Carabao Cup - Fourth Round - AFC Bournemouth v Liverpool - Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth, Britain - November 1, 2023 Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk during the warm up before the match Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra

(Reuters) - Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said the standard of his performances last season slipped below his usual high standards but the centre back thinks he is back to his best this campaign and is "important" to the team's success.

The 32-year-old, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2020, has been one of the standout performers for Liverpool this season.