Liverpool’s sunny one at centre-back has had a good run-up with the rest of the Liverpool squad. The 31-year-old has been in action against Manchester United, Crystal Palace and RB Leipzig so far. There is no doubt that he is in good shape for the start of the season against Manchester City on Saturday.
Van Dijk knows that he will always be in everyone’s spotlight, and he is also aware that he has created the expectations himself. Then it can be good to have a proper run-up in your legs.
– There is definitely a different feeling in this run-up. I tried to come back calmly after the injury last year, but this year I can focus 100% on being back in shape as soon as possible, he tells liverpoolfc.com.
Towards the 2022/2023 season, Jürgen Klopp will have just under a month to prepare the team for a long and difficult season. Van Dijk agrees that it is in the shortest team.
– We have a big match coming up already next week. Fortunately, I know myself and my body well. I know what I have to do to be ready for the season and I am working towards that now.
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LONG-TERM INJURY STAY: Virgil Van Dijk was out for the season after the pig tackle on Jordan Pickford. It has not seemed very influential for the Dutchman after his return.
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Want to bring the whole squad
Last season ended in disappointment for Van Dijk and co. After two cup golds in the league cup and the FA cup, there was still a disappointed group that went into the holidays. The Premier League and Champions League trophies disappeared just under the feet of the Reds.
– Everyone was disappointed, of course. Coming so close, but not close enough to two such big trophies (was heavy), he says.
He has put the disappointment of last year behind him, and is now looking forward to a new season, and not least the World Championship with the Netherlands. The framework is also set for what the squad expects of itself this season.
– We start every year by trying to win every game in front of us. It will be no different this year. We will give it a real try, but we know how tough it will be.
Liverpool’s first team squad currently has 27 players, according to Transfermarkt. In the run-up, a couple of youngsters have also shown proof that they can contribute this season. Van Dijk believes that it is vital that the entire squad is ready to contribute.
– We have a good team at the moment so I hope we avoid the biggest problems and the biggest injuries. Everyone can hopefully be part of a great season, says the 31-year-old.
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UNAVAILABLE: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is one of several players who have picked up an injury this summer. Kelleher, Ramsay and Jota are among others on the list.
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An important tradition
In keeping with tradition, Luis Diaz, Calvin Ramsay, Darwin Nunez and Fabio Carvalho will create a karaoke show for the rest of the Liverpool squad at the training camp in Austria. Van Dijk reminisces about the summer he had to do it himself.
– I remember it, yes. I sang an RnB song called So Into You by Fabolous. I tried my best, says the Dutchman.
The 31-year-old, like Luis Diaz, entered January hoping to avoid the embarrassing session. The Colombian probably hoped for that as well, but that’s not how it works in Liverpool.
– It wasn’t sung until the summer. I thought I had gotten away with it, but it was the first thing that popped out of the hat, so I had to do it. It was a good feeling once I finished, concludes Van Dijk.
Liverpool meet RB Salzburg on Wednesday 20:00. The match is broadcast on VG+ Sport and LFCTV.
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