NewsVirgil van Dijk: We have to keep working hard and stay humble

The Reds sit top of the Premier League table at the October international break, having lost just once across all competitions so far in 2024-25.

Under their new boss, Van Dijk and his teammates have impressed with their early form both domestically and in Europe, winning two out of two on their return to the Champions League.

"Everything has been so far, so good," Van Dijk said in the latest episode of UNCUT by the Premier League. "I think we still have so much to improve.

"But the start, I think everyone can be happy with where we're at at the moment with the results. Some of the games have been not as good as we'd like to be but we still got a result.

"It's going to be a long season, we have so many games left [and] players are getting used to the demands of the new coach. But in terms of changes tactically or any of that, there's not [been] major changes.

"Obviously he has his principles and he has his values and what he wants from us, but we're learning and we keep going. We have a lot of players coming through and a good mixture, in my opinion, as well. We have to keep working hard and stay humble."

Van Dijk was asked to reflect on being named captain of Liverpool, a job he took over in the summer of 2023 from Jordan Henderson.

The No.4 said: "Over the years I've worn the captaincy armband. I was first captain when Jordan Henderson and James Milner were still around.

"To be wearing the captain's armband was always a special feeling. Leading out the boys was a special feeling whether it was European games or league or cup games.

"But when I was named the actual captain, that's special. For me personally to be the captain of Holland and Liverpool, it's what dreams are made of, I think.

"I would've never thought [about] that when I was younger, which makes it maybe even more beautiful. I'm really blessed."

On the pressures of wearing the armband at a club like Liverpool, he continued: "First and foremost, pressure is a privilege. You should embrace it and you should enjoy it.

"I think at a club like Liverpool it's absolutely normal. The fans and the outside world expect you to always be at your absolute best.

"It doesn't matter if you play every three days, or whatever happens before that, you have to turn up and that's something I enjoy. But that's why I also signed for the club – I want to be the best each and every game.

"I want to get the maximum out of myself, and that's something I really enjoy. I embrace it, make the most of it and enjoy it as well."