Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed Virgil van Dijk changed how he sees players, after impressing behind the scenes since he took charge in the summer.
Slot has been speaking to Viaplay in the Netherlands about Liverpool, which, because it’s a broadcaster from the Netherlands, also meant a conversation about Van Dijk.
He was again in the headlines during the international break as a red card in the clash with Hungary saw him return to Liverpool early and miss the Netherlands clash with Germany.
Ronald Koeman’s side lost that game 1-0 and the Liverpool defender was sorely missed, with a chaotic display from those brought in to replace him leading to plenty of debate about Van Dijk afterwards.
Some in the Netherlands are not quite as enamoured with the defender as they are at Liverpool, with many questioning his role in the team under Koeman and as captain.
That never happens at Liverpool, where he is the undisputed leader of the team and treated as one of the undisputed stars following years of top-class performances under Jurgen Klopp.
He’s continued to shine under Slot since his arrival in the summer and the Dutch coach admits he’s been impressed, so much so that a longstanding opinion has been swept away.
“I understand very well when people describe him as a leader,” he said.
“Because before I worked with Virgil, I always said I no longer believe so much in the concept of a leader. That is something from the past. That people always talked about a leader in the team.
“When I played football myself, I always had Alfred Schreuder. And Marco de Lofts. And Alfred is more famous than Marco. Who I experienced as leaders who really put us in place. What we had to do.
“As a coach, I have never experienced someone as a real leader. For the longest time from a coach or something. But Virgil, I think, is someone who constantly makes sure the boys are there and is the leader in coaching.
“He also gives a good example of how to stand on a training field and what you have to do in the gym. And also, for the other players, by constantly standing up for himself.”
