Virgil van Dijk: A Key Fixture in Liverpool’s Regeneration
Virgil van Dijk has remained a key fixture of Jurgen Klopp‘s Liverpool, despite the team’s regeneration. Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum, James Milner and Fabinho were all previous players in front of Van Dijk, but the new crop of midfielders arguably have a higher ceiling.
Van Dijk has noticed the “different vibe” around the team, attributing some of the Reds’ good early-season form to their pre-season. “We had a short break and then we came back,” he explained. “Pre-season was very good, we started in Germany, proper training camp, then the commercial tour and it worked pretty well. I’m glad it worked like it did. We definitely sense a different vibe, different energy in the club.”
Van Dijk Praises Liverpool’s Summer Signings
Liverpool won’t become imperious overnight, and plenty of the players are still inexperienced – none of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister or Ryan Gravenberch had played a Merseyside derby before Saturday afternoon. The relative inexperience hasn’t hindered Liverpool too much so far, and Van Dijk’s outlook is positive on the summer signings.
“The guys coming in have been outstanding in my opinion,” the Dutchman added. “Mac Allister, maybe in a position I’m not sure he really, really wants to play, but he has the quality to play anywhere in the midfield. The yards he’s going each and every game is great. Szoboszlai is a different breed. His energy, he keeps running, he wants the ball at all times, he counter-pressess, that’s what we want. Curtis Jones is doing very well too, Ryan started his first derby. It’s something to be excited about as a Liverpool fan. Long may it continue, but I think the key is finding consistency.”
Van Dijk himself has had a return to form, too, with some questioning his abilities last season. Next up for Liverpool is Toulouse at Anfield on Thursday night.
Conclusion
Virgil van Dijk has been a key figure in Liverpool’s regeneration and is enjoying the “different vibe” around the team. He has praised the summer signings for their performances so far and believes that consistency is the key to success for Liverpool this season. Van Dijk himself has also had a return to form and will be looking to continue his impressive performances as Liverpool take on Toulouse at Anfield on Thursday night.