Virgil van Dijk had a message for his Liverpool teammates after Sunday's 2-1 victory over Everton. The captain wasn't content with just getting the job done against their neighbours.

Speaking after the Merseyside derby triumph, van Dijk set out his expectations for what comes next. His words carry particular significance given the contract situations hovering over Anfield like storm clouds.

The Dutch defender's intervention comes at a fascinating time. Liverpool are flying under Arne Slot, but the biggest decisions still lie ahead. Van Dijk knows better than most that maintaining standards is about more than just results.

It's the sort of leadership you'd expect from a player who's been through the wars at this club. He's seen what it takes to win the biggest prizes, and he's not about to let standards slip now.

The timing of his challenge feels deliberate. With uncertainty surrounding key figures at the club, van Dijk is making it clear what he expects from everyone around him. That's captaincy in action.

Whether this marks the beginning of a defining period for both player and club remains to be seen, but van Dijk's message is unmistakable: there's more to come from this Liverpool side.