2 weeks ago
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Virgil van Dijk has expressed his hope that he has continued to uphold the values of Liverpool, as taught to him by Jurgen Klopp and Jordan Henderson.
He also encouraged any future leaders to prioritise these values. Van Dijk's arrival at Liverpool was a turning point for the club, leading to the team's Champions League victory just 18 months after his signing. He joined a team led by Klopp, with Henderson acting as his deputy on the field.
Van Dijk took over this role when the midfielder departed. Last season, he guided the Reds to their second Premier League title. However, he emphasizes that the foundation of everything at Liverpool is hard work and a commitment to giving back to the fans.
As the current defending champions, the Reds started the season with five consecutive victories. However, two successive league defeats saw Arsenal take the top spot.
Despite this, Van Dijk insists that remaining the country's "biggest club" is the ultimate goal for the players. Speaking to the Liverpool ECHO, he said: "The most important thing is the culture of the club, that never changes.
"That is the most important thing to keep at Liverpool. There are values at the club that everyone has to follow. It all starts with these values, working hard and doing it for the fans from all around the world, and hopefully you can be successful.
"The quality is there, but the guarantees are not, so you have to work for it each and every day first and foremost to do it in the games.
"You know since I have been at the club, from the day I walked in, obviously with Jurgen as the manager and Hendo as the captain, the values that they showed me back then I wanted to keep carrying on.
"That is how it should be for the next few years and whatever happens after I finally have to go. There is the Liverpool way and that is the key and the start to our success I would say.
"Being the biggest club is definitely the aim from the club and definitely from us as players as well. We love to be (champions) and staying on the top as well, but I think the Premier League is so, so difficult."
Van Dijk might well have claimed multiple Premier League titles were it not for Manchester City, a team that has twice pipped the Reds in thrilling championship battles.
The center-back has witnessed City's ability to successfully defend its crown on several occasions and recognizes it remains an achievement he and his teammates must accomplish.
"To retain the title after winning it is such a difficult thing. We didn't manage to do it after winning it last time (in 2020), Manchester City managed to do it but it is such a difficult thing," he said.
Cadbury Ambassador Virgil Van Dijk is celebrating Game Changers up and down the country and recognising those who offer small acts that make a big difference. To find out more head to @cadburyuk on Instagram.
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