Virgil van Dijk makes 'disappointing' Liverpool admission and names next 'focus' for Florian Wirtz

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was left frustrated with his side's 2-2 draw with Fulham, but there were positives to take for Arne Slot despite the late Harrison Reed goal

Liverpool center-back Virgil van Dijk.(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Virgil van Dijk was left disappointed by Liverpool conceding a 97th-minute equalizer against Fulham this weekend — but there were positives for Arne Slot to take.

Still sitting in fourth spot in the table, the Reds remain on track to qualify for the Champions League and looked to have won the game through Cody Gakpo, but were pegged back late on once again, this time by a Harrison Reed wondergoal.

"Good second half," Van Dijk told reporters at Craven Cottage, fresh from the 2-2 draw in the Premier League. "We did everything in our power to win the game, especially in the second half.

"Obviously it was difficult and it was always going to be difficult. The games that we have played here, it is always difficult. But it feels a bit disappointing that we conceded a worldie towards the end. That's the reality.

"Every game is very difficult. I think [Fulham] made it very difficult for a lot of teams already this season and I didn't expect anything else today.

"The second half, we did well. We got back. There was much more urgency towards their box and then you concede in the last second. That's disappointing."

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

While Liverpool didn't manage to hold on, it looked like Gakpo had scored the winner at Craven Cottage, only for Reed to smash a shot into the top corner from distance.

"It is quite difficult if you analyze things, you mainly look at the negative things and it is difficult to see the positive things," Van Dijk said. "We obviously have to see the positive things and take that into the next challenge that is waiting for us. That is how it is.

"If you look at the squad as well, Cody [Gakpo] had to do the job as a striker and we played with five midfielders behind him. So yeah, that is also the reality but nevertheless, we keep fighting, keep going, and onto Arsenal."

Alongside Gakpo, Florian Wirtz was another positive for Liverpool. The German playmaker scored his second Premier League goal and was central to everything good that the Reds did while he was on the field.

Florian Wirtz scores Liverpool's equalizer against Fulham(Image: Getty Images)

"Second half, he was good — I agree with that," Van Dijk said. "He has to be important and he wants to be important so he needs to keep on going and stay fit.

"He sees how intense it is and what the demands are every three or four days. That is something he needs to focus on: his own recovery and being ready to deal with the intensity that he puts in.

"Of course [Wirtz's confidence is growing] but that is absolutely normal. Every human being who plays with more confidence, that will help their performances. It is the same with him. Hopefully it will continue and he keeps progressing."

Curtis Jones is another who has been playing regularly of late, with Van Dijk suggesting that his consistency could be as a direct result of being handed a sustained starting chance.

"Curtis has been with us for such a long time, so we know his qualities," the Liverpool captain added. "When you play a run of games, playing every three or four days, then you grow in confidence and also consistency with the things you want to keep repeating.

"The same goes for him [as Wirtz]. He needs to keep going and help the rest of the team to get back to winning ways. That is the main thing, I think."

Liverpool faces Arsenal next, with Wirtz and Jones likely to keep their places. Hugo Ekitike is hoping to be fit but had to sit out the trip to Fulham because of a minor injury and no other players are expected to return in time.

As it stands, the Gunners are 14 points ahead of Liverpool at around the halfway stage of the campaign.