Virgil van Dijk told Ryan Gravenberch what he did in training was 'beautiful'

Virgil van Dijk told Ryan Gravenberch that he had just produced a "beautiful" piece of skill after the Liverpool midfielder chipped the ball into a small net at the end of one of the Reds' sessions.

As Liverpool's players prepared to return to the inside of the AXA Training Center, some had a go at passing the ball into a small net which was situated behind a standard soccer goal. Gravenberch was successful with his attempt, setting the ball down on the outside of the penalty area before lifting it over the soccer goal and into the net.

As Gravenberch wheeled away in celebration, Van Dijk made it clear that he was suitably impressed, exclaiming: "That is beautiful!"

Gravenberch and Van Dijk returned to Liverpool training earlier this week after helping the Netherlands to secure a place at next summer's World Cup.

Their focus this weekend will be on their club side, as Liverpool aims to win a third home game in a row after victories over Aston Villa and Real Madrid earlier this month.

Van Dijk admitted in his program notes that Liverpool went into the international break with "mixed emotions" after those home wins were followed by a 3-0 loss away to Manchester City.

"Disappointment, for sure [was one of the emotions], at the manner in which we lost at Manchester City, but also encouragement at what came before that, with important, hard-fought and deserved victories over both Aston Villa and Real Madrid," Van Dijk said.

"We don't shy away from the truth at this club. We know that there is improvement to be found in our performance levels, and we know that the only way to find that improvement is through hard work and togetherness.

"I have said many times that I believe in the quality and the character of this squad, but we have to show it where it matters, which is out there on the field.

"Anfield, always, is a special place for us, and I think we showed in the Villa and Madrid games what can be achieved when everyone – players and supporters – works together. The atmosphere for both of those games was amazing, and I'd love to feel something similar on Saturday afternoon. I want this place rocking every time we play here.

"Like I say, we know what lies ahead over the next few months, but for now our focus must be on the next game only. We fight for the win, we fight for the three points and we go from there."

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