Virgil van Dijk Insists He Is Ready for Andoni Iraola's New Era at Anfield: "Are You Going to Say I Can't Do It?"

The Liverpool Captain, Virgil van Dijk, had returned for Liverpool's pre-season on the 28th of July, training with a small contingent of fellow late arrivals as the rest of the team rounded off their tour of the United States. He made his first appearance for the Reds since last campaign against AS Monaco yesterday.

Whilst he did give away a penalty, he otherwise performed well before coming off early in the second half to allow Luke Chambers to take his place.

After the game, the skipper stopped in the mixed zone to give his thoughts about pre-season so far and Liverpool's imminent return to competitive action, as well as life under the new boss Andoni Iraola.

Van Dijk explained how he'd been "very keen to get minutes in [his] legs" and how he was "glad [he] came out of it with no issues" after a 60-minute run-out against Monaco.

The captain outlined his support for the new Head Coach, saying that he "had a great conversation [with Iraola] in the first week when it got announced, and the main thing for him to know is that I am here for him regardless". He went on to make clear that "anything [Iraola] needs, wants to know, wants me to do for the team, or whatever, I am here for him, and hopefully we will be successful this season".

Although not surprising, given Van Dijk's outstanding professionalism during his long Liverpool career, it is good to see the captain making himself available to be called upon by the new Head Coach - whether on the pitch or off it. 

Despite this, Van Dijk was careful not to diminish his former Head Coach Arne Slot: "Nothing to take away from Arne and his staff, we had an amazing time together...[but] this year we have a new manager who has new ways of preparation...so we have to adapt to a new staff, different training methods, but I liked working under Arne and I am sure I will like working under the new manager [as well]."

Van Dijk specifically "asked for a good break because [he] felt like [he] needed it, not only physically but mentally as well", and he explained how "it was a very demanding year, from before pre-season started last year until the day I got knocked out of the World Cup."

Giving insight into why he didn't attend the US tour, he said: "For me it was key [that] I didn't want to go to America because I didn't want to get jet lag and after [have to] come back from that as well."

He expanded on his reasoning, saying, "I felt like having a couple of extra days at the AXA, doing the testing before the team was there and getting ready for when the team was back to immediately crack on, I felt that was for me personally the best way."

The 35-year-old defender was, albeit only lightheartedly, offended at any suggestion he wouldn't be ready to go again this season, asking reporters: 

He gave more detail into his self-confidence, explaining how "at the end of the day you have to look after yourself. You have to be, I wouldn't say lucky, but you have to do everything in your power...that is the bare minimum for me."

Hinting towards even further longevity, he reminded reporters how he is "a late bloomer, so you know, maybe it is what it is [still feeling good and ready]."

Van Dijk was already 24-years-old when he began his Premier League career at Southampton.

Asked about next season, he described how it "feels like a bit of [a] transition" and how "it is down to everyone at Liverpool to make sure we are building something successful for years to come."

On the club's shorter term objectives, he said:

He hinted towards a desire to see Liverpool make some more moves in the transfer window to help achieve these aims, saying:

The continued presence of Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool is a reassuring one during a period of transition on and off the pitch. Whilst talks over the sale of a significant proportion of the club continue, and Iraola looks to move Liverpool towards a different, more physically demanding style of play, the security a player like Van Dijk provides is priceless. 

It is good to hear the confidence he keeps in himself and his ability to continue playing an important role at his old (in football terms) age, and his professionalism as captain is plain for all to see. It is bewildering to think how some have ever derided his suitability to the armband.

Van Dijk is sure to play an important role in Iraola's plans this season, and he seems more than ready to do so.

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