Liverpool centre-back Virgil Van Dijk has given a wide-ranging interview to France Football for the outlet’s January feature. The Netherlands browsed through a handful of topics, from the toughest opponent he has ever faced to his 2019 Ballon d’Or’s second place or his 2020 ACL injury.
Van Dijk’s trophy-laden spell in Liverpool since his arrival from Southampton in a €84m switch on January 1st, 2018 is the core of the interview. The Netherlands skipper has lauded the impact Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp had on his career, labeling him “phenomenal” for him and the club. “I have an excellent relationship with the gaffer, on and off the pitch. I’m very close to him“, Van Dijk added. “From the first day and our first conversation, I felt a real connection. He is one of the reasons I wanted to join Liverpool. I’ll always be grateful for everything he has done for my career.“
The 32-year-old centre-back was asked what were the secrets behind Klopp’s longevity at the helm of such a prestigious club – the German has been Liverpool manager since October 2015. “He has many qualities“, Van Dijk replied. “He’s an amazing person in an amazing club, a perfect match. Himself, the values of the club, the fans – everything is combined for it to work. I’m extraordinarily lucky to be able to experience all this.“
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
