Virgil van Dijk has embraced the added responsibility given to him by Arne Slot, explaining how the Liverpool boss has encouraged him to adapt his game.
Since Slot’s arrival, there has been a noticeable shift from the occasional chaos under his predecessor, Jurgen Klopp, to a more controlled and composed style of play.
Van Dijk acknowledges that the team is still adjusting to this new approach, particularly after being dissatisfied with certain aspects of their recent victories against Wolves and Bologna.
There is now a stronger emphasis on building from the back, as demonstrated by Liverpool’s second goal against Bologna on Wednesday.
Van Dijk’s precise ball through the lines to Diogo Jota initiated the move that led to Mohamed Salah’s eventual goal.
The Liverpool skipper said: “He has asked a lot of me but I like that.
“He knows that I am very comfortable on the ball at the back.
“I have different weapons in my opinion.
“Obviously, I can play a 60–70 yard pass, but I am also comfortable breaking the lines and if you have players there that can be in the right position like we have then it speeds things up and helps.
“It is a good thing. I definitely have that responsibility. It all starts with me, Ali and Ibou (Konate) to hopefully create a good attack.
“It has been a big change for me because obviously over the years we played a certain way under Jurgen and very successfully.
“You keep that and stick to that principle.
“Things have changed in terms of having more responsibility for starting attacks and I am enjoying it.
“It is something I can show and it is a surprise for people to maybe see me doing it, but it was always there.
“I showed it now and enjoyed it. It is another string to my bow.”
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