“Won’t take for granted” – Liverpool ace opens up on how the ACL injury changed his mindset

Liverpool superstar Virgil Van Dijk has revealed how the ACL injury changed his mindset

Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s clash against Manchester United as quoted by Liverpool Echo, Liverpool centre-back Virgil Van Dijk has revealed how the long-term injury last season has changed his perspective on the game.

The dutch centre-back missed ten months of footballing action last season after an ACL injury that he suffered against Everton. The defender was forced to undergo surgery but has returned stronger than ever this season.

The centre-back has made 42 appearances for Liverpool this season and his injury troubles seem to be behind him. The Dutch defender has slowly yet surely returned to the levels that once made him one of the most feared defenders to face.

The Netherlands international starred in the game against Manchester City as the Reds beat their fierce rivals 3-2 to secure a place in the finals of the FA Cup. It represents a drastic change from the struggles the Reds experienced last season.

Speaking about his injury troubles and how it has changed him as a person, Van Dijk said,

“I’ve played almost over 50 games this season so that is something I won’t take for granted. I just want to keep it going, stay fit, win games and see what it brings and get ready for the World Cup as well”

“The game on Tuesday (against Manchester United) is going to be intense against our rivals, we need the fans as well to be here with us, just enjoy it and we will give it everything. That’s what we can promise until the end of the season and whatever happens we will see.”

A pillar at the back?

Virgil Van Dijk has been solid at the back for Liverpool this season and has yet again proven to be fundamental to Jurgen Klopp’s system. His presence gives the Reds a one-man battering ram at the back.

The Dutch defender has come back like he never left. The Reds sorely missed their leader at the back last season which explains their poor form but both Liverpool and Van Dijk have bounced back spectacularly.

The 30-year-old shows no signs of slowing down and still has a lot to offer for the Reds. If anything, he seems to be getting better game after game.

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Liverpool find themselves in a hunt for an unprecedented quadruple. They have already secured the Carabao Cup and find themselves in yet another final in the FA Cup. They are in a race for the Premier League title and have Villareal to face in the Champions League.

The Dutch defender is undoubtedly fundamental to whatever good the Reds do and will have to be on top of his game if Liverpool are to win all their games from now until the end of the season.