The Dutch international has been impressive this season and has helped Liverpool to their current best defensive record in the league (16 goals in 19 games). The 32-year-old explained why Klopp’s momentous decision to appoint him captain of the Merseyside club was a good thing for him.“Yes, it definitely felt like an expression of gratitude and trust.
“Also, because the coach knows me well, sometimes we see each other more than my family during the season.”“When it comes to leadership, I honestly think it’s more important what your coaches and teammates think about it. I think they can understand best. “I really enjoy the role of captain,” he said.The former Southampton man believes he needs to play a bigger role in Liverpool’s first team and beyond. “I like to help guys see the big picture and get involved. I recently attended the U9 and U10 youth tournament in Liverpool. Children under 18 often train in front of us. Then I just try to be present. I’m not just the captain of the team, but of the whole club,” explains Van Dijk. Last year, the centre-back was constantly criticized for his performances for Liverpool and the national team, especially in his home country.
Van Dijk said he knows exactly how to handle the problem and explained why he prefers not to respond directly to his critics. “The problem is, as a footballer, you can’t say much about it. Do it once and you’ll be dancing with your doll in no time. I am a person who doesn’t consciously read, listen or watch. “I’m not chasing him, I’m covering,” he added. “But you still get so much through other people that you can’t get away from it. When the flow is poor and the results are disappointing. “Do not help. It seems logical to me.
If the criticism is harsh and negative, you may reject it as an athlete. It’s a good fight on this issue. “We are very pleased with the way things have turned out, especially in the last few months.”Van Dijk suffered a serious knee injury in October 2021 and will miss most of the 2021/22 season. Now he had completely forgotten the worries about his condition. When asked if going through a difficult period athletically after recovering from AD made him stronger, Van Dijk explained: “Of course you don’t want to go through that. But looking back, I can say that that period also brought me a lot. “No one experiences only the highlights of their career. Failures also shape your character and you learn from them. Because there are always bad moments in life.”As for form, the Dutchman said he feels “sharp” this season.
Liverpool have appointed Virgil van Dijk as their new captain for the season following Jordan Henderson’s departure from Anfield last summer. In an interview with Algemeen Dagblad, the defender expressed his delight after Jurgen Klopp decided to hand over the belt.
