Virgil van Dijk insists Darwin Nunez still has "a big role to play" at Liverpool this season.
The forward returned to the pitch in the 2-0 win over Newcastle United on Wednesday night following public criticism from Arne Slot.
Reds boss Slot revealed his unhappiness with Nunez for how his work-rate levels dipped after missing a huge opportunity in last week's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.
The No.9 then didn't feature in Sunday's 2-0 victory at Manchester City following the admission from the head coach.
Slot explained last week that he would be speaking to Nunez about the situation.
Asked specifically about Nunez, Liverpool captain
Van Dijk said:
“Everyone has a big role to play. I mentioned it after Villa that everyone has a big role to play.
"We are all in this together and we need everyone and he is a big part of our team and when he comes on he has to make a positive impact.
“Today and the rest of the boys who came on made an impact and that's what we need to keep it going.
”I think that is not something for the whole squad, I think it is the bare minimum which has been asked from us from day one but I think that is the bare minimum anyway for playing for Liverpool.”
"It was more down to him and it is still down to him and I think he showed a great reaction today in his work-rate coming on.
“That should be the minimum and he knows it and he has to keep it going."
Van Dijk added:
“I think it was a good performance. Offensively, defensively.
“What I enjoyed the most, and what I like to see, was the last 20 minutes and how we controlled the game in possession and let them run. I think we did that well.”
"It is the most difficult thing to keep running behind the ball and trying to win the ball but if you have the ball then you can create the open space and more chances and I think we did that in a good way.
“I think everyone played their part. Lucho (Luis Diaz) was outstanding as well, Diogo Jota, everyone played their part and that's what we need. So, 2-0, it's a clean sheet and we move on."
Wednesday's game was a dress rehearsal for the Carabao Cup final on March 16
Alexander Isak, who has scored 19 Premier League goals this term, missed the game with a groin injury and Van Dijk expects Newcastle to be a different prospect when the Sweden international makes his comeback
"A final is always different and we are very wary of the threat they possess," Van Dijk added. “We know that Isak is definitely the most in-form striker at the moment in world football.
“So you know when he’s back, that will give them a boost. But listen, a final is a final and everyone wants to play and play their best game ever.
“When the time comes, we will prepare in the best way possible, like we prepared today as well, for any anything that could have happened.
“We came out of it well, but we know obviously it will be a difficult game.”
"Comparison with Chelsea last season, beat them comprehensively here, but it was more close run at Wembley?
“I think we had to deal with quite a lot of injuries at the time in the final.
“There are certain things you don’t have control over, but, like I said, when the time comes, we will prepare in the best way possible.
“Now we can switch off our minds for a day at least and then focus on getting in best shape again.”
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