Van Dijk introduces new Liverpool squad rule after taking over as Reds captain

24 October 2023 , 09:26

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Van Dijk introduces new Liverpool squad rule after taking over as Reds captain

Virgil van Dijk has made a major change to Liverpool's pre-match routine following his appointment as club captain.

Since replacing Jordan Henderson following his move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, Van Dijk has introduced a team huddle ahead of games as he looks to put his own stamp on the team. It is something the defender adopted from former club Celtic and he believes it helps "set the tone" before kick-off.

"It was something that we did when I was a Celtic player," Van Dijk said. "And I always liked it because I thought it set the tone for the game and it also gave the crowd a signal that we were ready to go.

"It can also help the atmosphere with it being so close to the match starting, so if our fans want to join in by building up the noise and adding to the sense of anticipation I certainly won't complain, even if it makes it difficult for me to make myself heard."

With vice-captain James Milner also leaving the club over the summer to join Brighton, Trent Alexander-Arnold has been named as Van Dijk's vice-captain with Andrew Robertson, Alisson Becker and Mo Salah also forming part of Liverpool's new leadership group.

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"This club has had some incredible captains over the years, leaders who would bring the best out of themselves and their team time and time again," Van Dijk added. "So to be on the list with people like that is definitely not the kind of thing that I would have expected when I started playing.

"But the most important thing for me is that I am part of a team of leaders, individually, who find their own way to take responsibility no matter who is wearing the armband."

Van Dijk has introduced a team huddle since replacing Jordan Henderson as Liverpool skipper (Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)

Van Dijk also believes there is a "different vibe" around the club this season following a disappointing last campaign that saw them finish fifth and fail to qualify for the Champions League.

"I think everyone last year, especially towards the end of the season, was drained if I'm absolutely honest," he explained. "It was such a disappointing season. We couldn't find that consistency.

"We played one good game but we won big against Manchester United and then we lost against Bournemouth, and that was so frustrating. We definitely sense a different vibe and a different energy in the club [this season.]"

Matthew Cooper