Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is thriving under the leadership of new head coach Arne Slot, fully embracing his role as the crucial link between the manager and the rest of the squad.
The Netherlands international has played a vital role during a transformative summer at Anfield, following the departure of long-time manager Jurgen Klopp and his entire backroom staff.
Slot’s arrival has injected fresh ideas into the team, and the campaign has started positively with two victories.
Despite initial concerns about how the team would fare without the influential Klopp, those fears have been allayed with wins over newly-promoted Ipswich and Brentford.
However, the first significant test of the season looms on Sunday at Old Trafford.
Despite the challenges, the atmosphere within the squad remains upbeat, and Virgil van Dijk has been instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition to the new era.
“I’ve actually enjoyed it so far, I’m having fun,” he told the PA news agency at a McDonald’s Fun Football session – which has provided over 500,000 children with free football in the last two years – in Bollington, Cheshire.
“Obviously with big changes happening this summer it was always going to be interesting how things would be but the feeling so far has been very good and I can definitely speak for the rest of the team as well.
“I’ve mentioned to the boss as well in my first chat with him that whatever he needs, anything he has in his mind, I am there for him.
“We all want to achieve the maximum at the club that we can compete in and we have to be on the same page and that’s what I’ve mentioned to him.
“He knows that I’m behind him – that’s what a captain has to do anyway but I’ve really made sure that I am there for him.”
As one of the most senior players at Liverpool, Virgil van Dijk plays a crucial role both on and off the pitch.
Taking on the captaincy last summer has seemingly elevated his performances.
Although he turned 33 in July, that is still relatively young for a centre-back.
Recent examples in the game show that, with the right care and attention to detail, a player’s elite-level career can extend well into their late 30s.
Thiago Silva, for instance, was 39 when he left Chelsea this summer, while Manchester United will still have Jonny Evans, who turns 37 in January, in their squad on Sunday.
Speculation about Van Dijk’s future is increasing, as he is in the final year of his contract at Anfield, with a new deal yet to be finalised.
However, the Dutchman does not see age as a barrier to continuing to perform at the highest level.
“I feel very good personally, I feel like it is nowhere near the end so far,” he added.
“There are plenty more years left and let’s see what happens.
“It is the one per cent which makes a difference in terms of looking after yourself and the work you do at home in terms of recovery and treatment, making sure you eat the right stuff, rest.
“That’s what I’ve been doing for so many years and that’s why I’ve been consistent in the amount of games I’ve been playing over the last couple of years.
“That’s maybe the most difficult thing nowadays in football: staying consistent and playing the amount of games and being available.
“Maybe that is sometimes taken for granted, I won’t say that’s the case with me, but more in general.
“After the international break we have double programmes every week (with the Champions League starting) and I kind of enjoy that because games are the most beautiful thing there is, especially when you play for a club like Liverpool.”
Their first summer signings have further lifted the mood at the club.
Juventus forward Federico Chiesa was acquired for an initial £10 million, and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was immediately loaned back to Valencia.
“I think in terms of the season being so long with so many games we definitely could use any quality addition that will be needed and to have Chiesa coming in is a very good signing, especially for the deal that has been done,” said Van Dijk.
“We don’t need to forget that getting players is not as easy as everyone thinks.
“I know the club is doing a lot of hard work in trying to make deals and do the right thing.”
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