Virgil van Dijk's pre-match superstition revealed...
Virgil van Dijk has revealed his one pre-match superstition.
Liverpool’s No.4 was a special guest on LFC Later on Thursday evening, discussing his opening two months with the club as well as the form of the team and 30-goal Mohamed Salah.
The Netherlands international also reflected on his unforgettable debut in January’s Merseyside derby and explained the reason for sending a special gift to a young supporter.
Read on for the best quotes from Van Dijk’s appearance on the show…
On last week’s training camp in Marbella…
“It was good. It was good work and good to be with the guys. We trained in different circumstances; the weather was better, the pitches were good. You can have treatment, you can take care of your body, and the food is perfect. It was a good couple of days of training.”
On training and playing with Salah…
“You can see his quality week in, week out. And with the goals he has scored as well. Even before I arrived I had seen so much of him – and when I played against Liverpool it was the same story. He is also a very good guy, is down to earth and works hard.”
On the feeling of scoring against Everton…
“It was something special. Everyone wants to make their debut for any club, but for Liverpool it’s a dream of playing a Merseyside derby and [scoring] in front of the Kop. It was my first game, with so much pressure and attention, and to score this header, you can’t describe the feeling. After the game, it was unbelievable.”
On Liverpool’s run of 24 goals in six games in their orange third kit…
“I hope we can keep it going, obviously. It’s a beautiful kit and a lovely colour. Everyone has small things when it comes to superstition; when you play well in certain boots you wear them for the next game as well. Personally, I have to wear long sleeves [under my shirt] for every game – even if it’s in the summer.”
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On sending a signed shirt to 10-year-old fan Rocco Daly…
“That day was obviously a very busy day, my signing day. We went to the stadium and walked past the pitch; you can’t stop for everyone. We went through the tunnel and I couldn’t really hear him – he was shouting – because I was so focused. In the days after, I saw a picture of him and felt bad. I wanted to thank him for the support because it means a lot for us that the young fans are there for us.”
On why he chose the No.4 for Liverpool…
“In Holland, No.3 and No.4 are the centre-back numbers. I had it at Groningen. And I know Sami Hyypia had it when he was here as well. He played for Willem II, where I played for 10 years; I saw him play for Willem II and Liverpool. It was always something special. It’s a big number. I love to wear it and I’m very proud.”