Liverpool’s Van Dijk happy to be held to ‘very high standard’

The 32-year-old, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2020, has been one of the standout performers for Liverpool this season.

Published : Nov 24, 2023 11:01 IST - 2 MINS READ

FILE PHOTO: Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk kicks the ball during the English Premier League match against Nottingham Forest.
FILE PHOTO: Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk kicks the ball during the English Premier League match against Nottingham Forest. | Photo Credit: AP
infoIcon

FILE PHOTO: Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk kicks the ball during the English Premier League match against Nottingham Forest. | Photo Credit: AP

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said the standard of his performances last season slipped below his usual high standards but the centre back thinks he is back to his best this campaign and is “important” to the team’s success.

The 32-year-old, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2020, has been one of the standout performers for Liverpool this season.

After finishing fifth in the Premier League last season, Liverpool is just one point behind Manchester City in the current campaign and travels to face the leader on Saturday.

“Last year saw ups and downs, good games and less good games,” Van Dijk told British media. “I’m held to a very high standard, and I still am. That’s what I’ve created, and I enjoy that. If that’s not the case, then something’s not right. But I feel like I am in a good moment physically and mentally, and I feel like I am important. I just feel very good, and I want to keep going.

“For me, the most important thing is how I feel, what my teammates feel about me and especially the manager. All the noise from the outside, whether it is very good or very bad you can’t do anything with it.”

Van Dijk replaced Jordan Henderson as Liverpool’s skipper in July after the England midfielder joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq.

“What I strive for each and every game, but also all season, is consistency, that the team can rely on me at a certain level all the time and this year definitely off the pitch with the captaincy, something I enjoy and am learning still,” he said.

“I’m not perfect but I’m doing it my way and enjoying the challenge.”

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment