Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has criticised young teammate Jarell Quansah over an interview he gave earlier this season.

Van Dijk says Quansah shouldn't have spoken after Joel Matp was struck by a season-ending knee injury.

Quansah said at the time: "...obviously, it's a shame what happened to Joel (Matip) and my condolences go to him. But my idea was to try and get over him anyway and try and be a starting centre-back in the Premier League."

Van Dijk stated: "I think it came across a little bit not in the right way," Van Dijk said. "It's good that he thinks like this in my opinion. But it was maybe too soon (after Matip's injury) for him to say it in the way it came across. I don't think he meant it in that way.

"When I was 20 I'd also maybe say certain things that come across differently. I totally understand where he's coming from. But we shouldn't forget what Joel has done for this club and the contribution to the success we've had."

But the Dutchman also said: "He just has to keep going. There will be times when it's tough, that's absolutely normal, but it's about how you deal with that. He's a good boy. Mentally, he's in the right frame of mind and that's a good start. I'll be there for him, whenever he needs. He'll be just fine."