Virgil Van Dijk relishing leading Liverpool’s mix of youth and experience
Virgil Van Dijk is excited by Liverpool’s blend of youth and experience and hopes it can propel them to success this season.
The Dutchman was named as the Reds’ new captain this summer following the departure of Jordan Henderson, who was among a number of long-serving players to leave Anfield.
This season has seen Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp blood young talents like 17-year-old winger Ben Doak and 20-year-old defender Jarell Quansah along with new signings Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch.
Virgil Van Dijk at a McDonald’s Fun Football session
Van Dijk told the PA news agency: “I don’t see it as a challenge, things happen for a reason, players move on and new players come in, players get new roles and I think that’s a very exciting thing.
“Obviously the captain has changed, the vice-captain has changed, the leadership group has changed, the players have different responsibilities outside the pitch. I think everyone is enjoying their roles at the moment and the team spirit is very high.
“Everyone is realising that everyone has a role to play and, whether you start, if you’re on the bench or whether you come on, everyone is trying to make a difference. I think so far that’s really good and that’s the basis of success.
“I think the squad we have at the moment looks very exciting. We have the quality to make it difficult for every team in the world.”
Virgil Van Dijk hangs his head at the end of Liverpool
Van Dijk enjoys helping guide the younger members of the squad, saying: “You feel a responsibility. I know exactly how I was when I came up the ranks when I was younger.
“It’s never easy and, as one of the older guys, one of the experienced guys, I want to help them where I can.
“Obviously you don’t need to
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