Following his selection as club captain, Virgil van Dijk significantly altered Liverpool’s pre-game ritual.
Van Dijk has replaced Jordan Henderson since the latter left for Al-Ettifaq of the Saudi Pro League in an effort to infuse his own personality into the group. He has also instituted a team huddle prior to games. The defender believes it “sets the tone” before the game and has taken it from his former team, Celtic.
“It was something that we did when I was a Celtic player,” Van Dijk explained. And I’ve always enjoyed it because I believe it created the mood for the game and let the spectators know we were prepared to play.
“It can also help the atmosphere with it being so close to the match starting, so if our fans want to join in by building up the noise and adding to the sense of anticipation I certainly won’t complain, even if it makes it difficult for me to make myself heard.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been selected as Van Dijk’s vice-captain, replacing James Milner, who also left the team during the summer to join Brighton. Andrew Robertson, Alisson Becker, and Mo Salah are all a part of Liverpool’s new leadership team.
“This club has had some incredible captains over the years, leaders who would bring the best out of themselves and their team time and time again,” Van Dijk said. So, to be on the list alongside individuals like that is undoubtedly not what I had in mind when I first began playing.
“But the most important thing for me is that I am part of a team of leaders, individually, who find their own way to take responsibility no matter who is wearing the armband.”
“I think everyone last year, especially towards the end of the season, was drained if I’m absolutely honest,” he said. “The season was very disappointing. We were unable to locate that consistency.
We only played one decent game, but we defeated Manchester United handily before falling short against Bournemouth. This season, there is unquestionably a different atmosphere and enthusiasm at the club.