Virgil van Dijk has revealed he’s been talking to Arne Slot about his role in the Liverpool team since the moment the Dutchman arrived at the club.
Voetbal Primeur cover comments from the defender today from an interview with Voetbal International, in which he reveals he didn’t hesitate to get stuck into the nitty gritty with his new coach on his arrival at Anfield.
Slot joined Liverpool in the summer as Jurgen Klopp’s replacement and has enjoyed a superb start to the season since, guiding Liverpool to the top of the Premier League table and the Champions League new table also.
Van Dijk has been a key part of the success, with him and Ibrahima Konate forming a solid central pair that has only conceded six goals in the league so far.
The giant centre-back looks revitalised under his new manager and admits he was quick to get into a discussion with him about his role when he arrived.
“With the new trainer Arne Slot, slightly different things are being asked,” he said.
“Not just from me, but also from the other players. I have a very prominent role in that, and I like that. And I think the trainer is also very happy with that.
“I am in a position where, for example, you see how the opponent is putting pressure. With one or two or three strikers. Are the opponent’s backs high or not, do they play with one or two controlling midfielders? There are different options every time.
“I have been talking to the trainer about this since day one. We sat down with images. The development after that has only been good. I am really enjoying this.”
Slot had an unenviable task when arriving at Liverpool in the summer, with the job of replacing Klopp seen as an impossible one by many.
The German wrote himself into folklore at Anfield, ending the wait for a Premier League title, securing a sixth Champions League success and building a rapport with the fanbase that most managers can only dream of.
Replacing him was no mean feat but Slot has done so successfully so far, and Van Dijk believes that’s down to the manner he’s gone about it.
“It’s not easy. On the other hand, Slot has provided a breath of fresh air,” he added.
“He handles things in his own way and where I can help him I do so. The trainer has inherited a very good team. We must not forget that we had up to five goals last season. games before the end competed with Arsenal and Manchester City for the league title. Slot is a very good manager.”
