Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has called on his team to emulate the defensive solidity of Premier League leaders Arsenal, identifying it as the “basis of success” following a hard-fought 1-0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid at Anfield. The comments, made on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, signal a strategic shift for a Liverpool side that has struggled for consistency this season.

Speaking to Amazon Prime Sport after the match, Van Dijk was unequivocal. “That is the basis of success at the moment. I think that you can see that Arsenal are flying and that is down to clean sheets and not conceding chances,” he stated. The remarks came after Alexis Mac Allister’s second-half header secured a vital win, ending a turbulent run for the Reds that had seen them lose six of their previous seven matches before a weekend victory against Aston Villa.

The victory over the Spanish giants, their first loss in the Champions League this season, provides a potential turning point for Liverpool. The performance was built on a defensive resolve that had been absent for much of the campaign, marking their second consecutive clean sheet. “It starts with defending and today showed our hard work,” Van Dijk added, emphasizing the collective effort.

A Blueprint from North London

Arsenal's current form provides a compelling case study. Under manager Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have built their title challenge on a remarkably frugal defence. They have maintained an impressive run of eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions and have conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League. This defensive fortitude has allowed their attacking talents to flourish, establishing them as the team to beat.

Van Dijk’s public admiration for their rival's strategy highlights a significant tactical acknowledgment. “I think that's what we had as well and now what we are trying to do consistently - start with defending. We have the quality to hurt anyone in possession and on the break,” the Dutch defender explained. This sentiment was echoed by his teammate Andy Robertson, who noted, “That's where results start. Too many times this season we've had to score three goals to win games and stuff like that and you can't keep doing that.”

Relevance for Kenyan Fans

The English Premier League commands a massive and passionate following in Kenya, often eclipsing interest in the domestic league. Supporters of clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United are deeply invested, with viewing centres and social gatherings being a staple of weekend life. Van Dijk's call for a strategic shift will be keenly analyzed by this fanbase, sparking debates in homes and public spaces from Nairobi to Mombasa.

The fortunes of these top English clubs have a tangible social and economic impact in Kenya. The widespread popularity fuels a thriving industry around merchandise sales and sports betting, with many Kenyans placing wagers on Premier League outcomes. A return to form for a giant like Liverpool, guided by a new defensive philosophy, could influence betting trends and fan sentiment across the country.

A Turning Point at Anfield?

The win against Real Madrid was a significant morale booster. Liverpool dominated the match, and were it not for an outstanding performance from Madrid's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, the margin of victory could have been wider. The clean sheet, however, was the most crucial takeaway for a team that had gone 10 matches without one prior to the Aston Villa game.

Manager Arne Slot praised the Anfield atmosphere as a key factor in the victory. The defensive performance was particularly noteworthy, with young right-back Conor Bradley earning plaudits for keeping Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior quiet throughout the night. This newfound stability at the back will be critical as Liverpool faces a daunting trip to face champions Manchester City on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the Etihad Stadium.

For Van Dijk, the path forward is clear. By adopting the defensive discipline shown by their North London rivals, Liverpool can build a foundation to salvage their season and once again challenge for top honours. The focus, he insists, must be on consistency, starting from the back. “In a world of chaos you have to stay calm and see perspective of things,” Van Dijk concluded.