Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk explains the new rule that he has implemented before matches
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk elucidated the new rule that he has set for the team before the kick-off. The Reds participate in a team huddle before each kick-off which helps the new captain give final words of inspiration.
The 32-year-old succeeded former Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson as the club’s captain after Henderson left the club during the summer. The Dutchman is also the captain of his national team and has easily transitioned into the new role.
Liverpool have multiple leaders in their squad who are captain of their respective national teams. Wataru Endo, Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson Dominik Szoboszlai and Van Dijk himself wear the captain’s armband at the international level.
Van Dijk talked (h/t Liverpool Echo) about the new ritual of team huddle before kick-off that he has started. He said:
“It was [team huddle] something that we did when I was a Celtic player and I always liked it because I thought it set the tone for the game and it also gave the crowd a signal that we were ready to go. It can also help the atmosphere with it being so close to the match starting”
Liverpool signed Van Dijk from Southampton in the January transfer window of 2018. The Netherlands international has been sensational for the Reds since his signing and has become a pivotal figure in their success.
The 32-year-old earned the recognition as one of the best defenders in the world. The Dutchman finished as a runner-up for the 2018 Ballon d’Or to Lionel Messi by just seven points.
Van Dijk suffered an ACL injury during the 2020-21 season after a horrible tackle from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Many fans deemed the tackle intentionally reckless, keeping the Dutchman out for the whole season.
The Reds captain has faced criticism since his return from injury due to some visible decline in his abilities. However, Van Dijk has been in incredible form so far this season and dominated the recent 2-0 win against Everton.
Virgil van Dijk has been confirmed as the new captain of #LFC, with Trent Alexander-Arnold appointed as vice-captain.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 31, 2023
Van Dijk has made eight appearances for the Red in all competitions and scored two goals. In the 1-2 win against Newcastle United, the Dutchman received a red card for a last-ditch tackle. Many fans argued the dismissal though the Dutchman has not made many errors like that in this season.
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We think the team huddle tradition is a good way to start the game and it shows the squad unity. Van Dijk would love to finish his first season as the Liverpool captain with a trophy win. With consistency, the Reds will achieve the expected success, having started the season well.
