In this video
- Asked about the under-13s he congratulated after the game at Burnley, Van Dijk said they are coming tomorrow. Asked if they would go on the pitch, he said maybe it was a surprise and joked it was now ruined.
- Van Dijk said Isak has been very eager, and he thinks the quality has shown since the first session, from what he has heard and seen. For now it is about getting fit as quickly as possible.
- Asked what another striker adds, Van Dijk said it is not really an addition but a replacement for quality players who left. The price tag creates outside pressure, but the players do not speak about it.
- Asked about facing a Simeone team, Van Dijk recalled the painful home defeat that knocked Liverpool out last time. He called Simeone a world-class manager and said Atletico never give up.
- Asked what sets Isak apart, Van Dijk called him a clinical finisher with his head, left and right, and the complete striker at the moment. He is glad Isak and another striker are now on his side.
- Asked about the two Hungarians beside him, Van Dijk said one is learning how Liverpool play and will be absolutely fine. The other played a position maybe not his favourite at a world-class level, in his opinion.
“We don't get ahead of ourselves.”
- Asked about the challenge of two strikers, Van Dijk said Liverpool always defend from the front, and dealing with it is part of being a centre-back. He enjoys facing different strikers in the Champions League.
Virgil van Dijk addressed the media at Anfield ahead of Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League 2025/26 opener against Atletico Madrid and he didn’t hold back.
The Dutch defender praised new signing Alexander Isak, calling him a “complete striker” and highlighting his impact in early training sessions. Van Dijk revealed behind-the-scenes insights from their chats during the international break, noting Isak’s eagerness to absorb Liverpool’s tactical identity from pressing shapes to set-piece structure.
Reflecting on past defeats and future ambitions, Van Dijk touched on Liverpool’s Champions League mindset, the danger Atletico pose under Diego Simeone, and how important fitness will be across the season.
