Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk bravely admits his mental and physical battles while his team struggled last season
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk expressed the mental and physical struggles that he faced last season alongside the team’s struggle. The Reds manager Jurgen Klopp appointed the Dutchman as the new senior team captain for his “Liverpool 2.0” this season.
Van Dijk suffered a career-threatening ACL injury in the 2020-2021 season in a derby game against Everton. Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made an intentionally reckless diving tackle on the Dutchman that caused the horrible injury.
The 32-year-old missed the remainder of that season and the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament due to that injury. Van Dijk returned during the pre-season friendlies in the 2021-22 season and subsequently helped in the Red’s chase for Quadruple.
During the 2022-23 season, Liverpool surprisingly regressed as many long-serving players regressed past their prime years and failed to perform. Van Dijk received a lot of criticism for his performances within the struggling side as the Reds conceded many goals.
Critics argued that Van Dijk could never reach his former level as one of the best defenders in the world. However, the 32-year-old has made his naysayers eat their own words by delivering consistent world-class performances.
Speaking to the Dutch newspaper AD (h/t Express), Van Dijk expressed the mental struggle he faced last season. He said:
“When things didn’t go so well last season, individually and with the team, I was really in shock for a while. I had never experienced this before. At the same time, I was telling myself ‘This is temporary. But I did have to get used to the new knee. Just take the bending or stretching, the flexion.”
Lessons learnt!
The 32-year-old emphasized that the time he spent during the setback provided him with a new perspective towards life. He said:
“You would rather not go through it, of course. But in hindsight, I can say that this period also brought me quite a lot. Nobody experiences only highlights in his career. Setbacks shape your personality, you learn from them because there will always be lesser phases in life.”
Van Dijk has led Klopp’s “Liverpool 2.0” with inspiration and dominance, playing a pivotal role in their early success. Stats-based football site Squawka reported on X that the Dutchman is showing superhuman aerial dominance this season.
Van Dijk credited Klopp and the staff members for keeping their faith in him despite last season’s struggles. He said:
“That (getting the captaincy) felt like a token of appreciation and confidence. When it comes to leadership, I honestly attach most importance to how my manager, coaches or fellow players see me. In my opinion, they are the best judges.”
Virgil van Dijk in the Premier League this season:
— Squawka (@Squawka) December 26, 2023
◉ 81.8% – Highest aerial duel win rate (25+ contested)
◉ 81 – Most aerial duels won
That is superhuman. pic.twitter.com/p4z54JSBQL
The 32-year-old is outshining his past dominant self while guiding the Reds towards more potential success. Liverpool are currently challenging for every trophy, having progressed in the Carabao Cup and the Europa League.
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Van Dijk has etched his legacy at Anfield during Klopp’s “Liverpool 1.0” success, winning every major trophy. The Dutchman is looking to make further history as the Reds’ captain, making his fans and peers proud.
