Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk chats about the Klopp Factor, Champions League win, and Liverpool's league title quest with hosts. Topics include Klopp's impact, celebrations after winning Champions League, and what Liverpool need to do to win the Premier League.
Virgil van Dijk emphasizes the importance of outdoor activities for children's development and joy.
Van Dijk reflects on his journey from a forward to a defender, highlighting growth stages and challenges.
Van Dijk discusses the differences between playing in Scotland and the Premier League, emphasizing adjustments required at the highest competition level.
Deep dives
Virgil van Dijk's Foundation Work with McDonald's
Virgil van Dijk discusses his involvement with McDonald's in providing free football sessions for kids across the country. He emphasizes the importance of outdoor activities, especially in today's changing times, encouraging children to engage in physical play for their development and joy.
Virgil van Dijk's Football Journey and Development
Van Dijk shares insights into his early football career, starting as a defender in his local team and progressing through academies. He highlights his transition from a forward to a defender, mentioning struggles and growth stages in his journey, including influential injuries and challenges that shaped his defensive skills.
Transition to Premier League and High-Level Competition
Van Dijk discusses his move to Celtic and subsequent transfer to Southampton before joining Liverpool. He reflects on the differences between playing in Scotland and the Premier League, focusing on the adjustments required in playing style, pace, and physicality at the highest level of competition.
Playing Under Managers and Facing Top Opponents
Exploring his experiences under various coaches, including Ronald Koeman and Jurgen Klopp, Van Dijk reveals insights into his defensive strategies against top opponents like Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Olivier Giroud. He emphasizes the importance of staying composed, reading the game, and maintaining focus against challenging adversaries.
The Ambition for Success at Club and International Level
Van Dijk expresses his aspirations for achieving success both with Liverpool in the Premier League and at the European Championship with the Dutch national team. He acknowledges the pressure and dreams associated with leading his country in a major tournament, balancing the pursuit of trophies at club and international levels.
The Liverpool captain joins Gary and Micah on The Rest Is Football.
He discusses the Klopp Factor, that Champions League Triumph & how Liverpool can win the league.
What makes Jurgen Klopp so special? And how did Virgil and his teammates celebrate winning the Champions League in 2019. Plus what do Liverpool need to do to win the Premier League this year?
Virgil Van Dijk was speaking exclusively to The Rest Is Football at the launch of this year’s McDonald’s Fun Football programme, which aims to encourage participation in the sport through free coaching sessions for children.
