Virgil van Dijk reveals ‘the most important thing’ about Liverpool | OneFootball

Virgil van Dijk Sets the Standard for Liverpool’s New Era

Leadership at Liverpool has never been about armbands or pre-match handshakes. It is about carrying the weight of expectation while projecting calm to the outside world. Virgil van Dijk understands that better than most. With over 320 appearances and now deep into a two-year contract extension, Liverpool’s captain has laid bare the values that continue to drive the club forward, whilst speaking to Paul Gorst of The Liverpool Echo.

Culture Before Glory

“The most important thing is the culture of the club, that never changes,” Van Dijk says, and it is hard to argue. Liverpool’s modern success has never rested on individual flair alone. It has been built on collective standards, with Van Dijk now acting as guardian of what was once passed down by Jurgen Klopp and Jordan Henderson.

“It all starts with these values, working hard and doing it for the fans from all around the world and hopefully you can be successful.” There is no sense of entitlement in his words. Even after captaining Liverpool to the Premier League title by ten points last season, he refuses to view success as guaranteed.

Photo: IMAGO

Representing More Than a Football Team

When he turns up at Anfield on a quiet afternoon to surprise a lifelong supporter as part of his work with Cadbury, it is not a PR obligation. It is part of the job description.

“It’s the gratitude you get from the supporters and the fans, that is always a nice thing and it is something I don’t take for granted because it’s still special,” he explains. Conversations with fans give him perspective. They remind him that even footballers with medals and trophies are still people.

“People have an impression of you but when you get to meet them, then it is about the impression you leave behind, that is the legacy and the most important thing.” If Liverpool were searching for an ambassador, not just a captain, they already have one.

Demanding More from a Rebuilt Squad

After Arne Slot delivered the title in his debut season, Liverpool chose evolution rather than celebration. Nearly £450m spent, two British transfer records broken in the same window, and several long-serving players moved on.

“The quality is there but the guarantees are not, so you have to work for it each and every day first and foremost to do it in the games.”

Van Dijk knows that staying on top is harder than getting there.

“To retain the title after winning it is such a difficult thing. We didn’t manage to do it after winning it last time (in 2020),” he admits. The challenge is now to mould talent into cohesion.

“We had to replace those and replace them with quality… Now it is time to work and create a very, very good team on the pitch to compete in every competition that we are in. That is the target.”

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool supporters reading this will feel an immense sense of pride. Virgil van Dijk has transitioned from world-class defender to statesman, carrying on the legacy of captains who saw leadership as service.

What stands out is his refusal to coast off past achievements. Winning the Premier League under Slot was historic, particularly with Van Dijk as captain, yet his tone is one of responsibility rather than celebration. That is exactly what fans want to hear ahead of another title defence.

There is respect too for those who left. He does not gloss over the departures of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez or Harvey Elliott. He acknowledges what has been lost, but backs the new arrivals to meet the standard.

Supporters will also appreciate his humility in community work. It is easy to be cynical about brand appearances, yet Van Dijk approaches them with sincerity. When he says, “I know that I am a big player and I have meant a lot, but I am someone who is also just a normal father with kids,” it strikes a chord. He feels relatable.

This is not just a captain guarding a trophy. This is a captain guarding an identity. And that matters just as much.