Virgil van Dijk reveals what has been behind Liverpool’s rise to the top of the Premier League table

Van Dijk believes the unity shown in defence ensures that even when one of them has an off-day, the others pick up the slack to keep Liverpool on the up

Liverpool's impressive climb to the top of the Premier League has been built on the foundations of a solid back-line in which every defender regularly makes a key contribution, centre back Virgil van Dijk said.

Dutchman Van Dijk, who joined the club from Southampton in January for a reported £75m has become the lynchpin of a defence that has conceded only seven goals in 19 matches and helped Liverpool move six points clear.

However, the Netherlands captain said the camaraderie in Jurgen Klopp's side has played a major role in helping unbeaten Liverpool tighten up at the back as they look to claim a first English title for 29 years.

"I tell them, it is all of us, all of us together, working day in and day out," Van Dijk told the club's official website.

"Sometimes I have not that good a game, maybe then (left back Andrew) Robertson, maybe someone else, that is always how it is in football.

"It's about how we do it together. 'Together' is the key in this otherwise you cannot stop conceding goals."

The Merseyside club top the table on 51 points, six ahead of Tottenham Hotspur and seven ahead of defending champions Manchester City, who they visit in a key contest on 3 January.

However, the Dutchman said the club had a long way to go if they wished to convert the strong start into a successful campaign.

"What's important is we need to keep going; we cannot be satisfied with what we have right now because we have nothing at the moment.

Virgil van Dijk has identified Liverpool's defence as the biggest improvement this season (EPA)

Liverpool will be looking to maintain their advantage at the top when they host fifth-placed Arsenal in the league on Saturday.

Reuters