Milner risks Van Dijk wrath with Liverpool plea

James Milner wants Liverpool to look after "superman" Virgil van Dijk - even if it leaves him frustrated.

The Dutch defender has returned to the fold this season after nine months out with a ligament injury.

Van Dijk was a huge miss for the Reds last term as they surrendered their Premier League title.

Since he's returned Liverpool have conceded just once in five league games, but the 30-year-old still needs his workload managed.

Jurgen Klopp added Ibrahima Konate in the summer, thus providing another option at the back with Joel Matip and Joe Gomez also looking for regular minutes.

James Milner has hailed Virgil van Dijk as "superman"

Milner, who played right-back in Saturday's win over Crystal Palace, insists Van Dijk's past injury and age means he can't afford to play every game and needs to be taken out of the XI on occasion, despite the possible backlash.

"The positions we got into last year, we were unlucky with injuries and players having to play out of position," he said.

"I think it is to help with things like that. We all think Virg is Superman and he is, 99 times out of 100.

"But the injury that he has come back from - and to look as good as he has done since he has come back! You know, he's not 21.

"To do what he has done since he's been back is incredible. It shows what a good player he is, what a mentality he has.

"But he needs looking after as well, no matter how angry he gets at being left out of the team.

"He is going to need looking after and that is rotation. You look at the centre-halves in the club - they are all incredible.

"You see them in training, they are unbelievable. It's a great squad of players and the way we train and work together, everyone knows what they are doing, everyone works hard and everyone knows what is required.

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"I think [the win over Palace] is pleasing. We know we can play better but to make the changes we have done and get the result we have is pleasing.

"There is another game in midweek and that will help with getting minutes for other players too."

Van Dijk was rested for Liverpool's Champions League win over AC Milan last week.

The Reds shipped two goals at Anfield before battling to the three points.

Klopp explained his decision to utilise his options in midweek, with Van Dijk's long-term fitness a priority.

"Virgil, it's still in extended pre-season for him with a long time out," he said.

"He was completely fine, could have played, but I wanted to be sensible. I don't want to talk about injuries in the past but they were long-term."