Interview with Virgil van Dijk

The latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast served up a delightful surprise for fans, featuring none other than Liverpool and Netherlands captain, Virgil van Dijk. In a candid and wide-ranging interview, Van Dijk pulled back the curtain on his remarkable journey, offering rare insights into his development, his biggest career moments, and the philosophy that has cemented his status as one of the game's greatest defenders.

From Grassroots to Growth Spurts

The conversation kicked off with Van Dijk reflecting on his involvement with McDonald's fun football sessions, a heartwarming initiative bringing free football to half a million kids across the country. He spoke passionately about seeing children's smiles and the importance of outdoor play in an age where times have changed. This led naturally to his own beginnings, starting around age six or seven in local teams, before being scouted by Willem II. Interestingly, Van Dijk reveals he wasn't initially a standout player, struggling particularly between 15 and 16 before a significant growth spurt and overcoming knee problems. "I was always a bit of an attacker... but playing in the Academy I was always in defense," he admits, highlighting the early shift in his footballing identity. His challenging experience with appendicitis later proved to be a pivotal moment, shaping his understanding of nutrition and overall well-being. "It was not an easy time but it definitely shaped me again in who I am today," he notes, underscoring how adversity built resilience.

Key Learnings:

• Grassroots football builds character and provides joy, as seen in the McDonald's initiative.
• Player development isn't always linear; struggles and physical changes (like a growth spurt) can be crucial turning points.
• Overcoming personal health challenges can impart valuable life lessons, such as the importance of nutrition.
• Early positions can differ significantly from professional roles, with Van Dijk starting as an attacker before settling in defense.

The Ladder to Elite Status

Van Dijk's career progression reveals a pragmatic yet ambitious approach. After a successful spell at FC Groningen, he made the move to Celtic, a decision that proved instrumental. He emphasizes that people often "don't really realize how massive Celtic is," citing his experience in the Champions League and Europa League as perfect for his development. His solitary Old Firm derby, while intense in preparation, was a formative experience in a city steeped in rivalry. The transition to Southampton marked his entry into the Premier League, a "massive step" he had always dreamed of. He highlights the significant difference from Scottish football, particularly the increased physicality and pace. His philosophy on career progression is clear: "don't look too far ahead... get yourself obviously you have dreams but don't make yourself more shortterm aims." This grounded mindset allowed him to thrive at each stage, culminating in his record-breaking £75 million move to Liverpool. He brushes off the pressure of the price tag with characteristic calm: "I didn't decide the price tag... For me is just to play the best football I can and be important for the football club." The January transfer, an unusual timing for such a big move, unexpectedly aided his quick integration into the squad.

Key Changes:

• The move from Holland to Scotland introduced a more physical and direct style of play, a significant adjustment from ball-possession games.
• Stepping into the Premier League demanded an even higher level of physicality and pace, but his time at Celtic and Southampton prepared him well.
• Learning to handle media attention and the demands of playing midweek were crucial parts of his development at Southampton.

Key Insights:

• Success is built on short-term goals and focused development, rather than fixating on distant dreams.
• Embracing significant cultural and footballing changes (like moving countries and leagues) accelerates growth.
• A strong belief in one's own ability can mitigate external pressures like a high transfer fee.
• Bonding with teammates early, even on an off-field trip, can significantly aid integration into a new club.

Mentors, Mindset, and Defensive Mastery

Van Dijk opened up about the profound influence of key managers, particularly Ronald Koeman and Jürgen Klopp. He credits Koeman with a unique ability to "trigger me in training... being hard on me and that helped me," even in simple passing drills, pushing him beyond his laid-back demeanor. This aggressive yet nurturing approach from Koeman forged a stronger, more disciplined player. With Jürgen Klopp, the relationship deepened further. Van Dijk praises Klopp's charisma, energy, and his innate understanding of Liverpool's unique culture and history, something he feels is essential for a manager of the club. "He's been the perfect manager," Van Dijk asserts, reflecting on Klopp's emotional leadership.

Discussing his defensive style, Van Dijk delves into the nuances of playing a high line, emphasizing the critical link between pressure on the ball and defensive positioning. His ability to "read situations before even happens" allows him to stay on his feet and avoid unnecessary challenges. He also details the mental aspect of defending: "it's also thinking ahead of what's gonna happen... putting yourself in his mind while also scanning what your opponent is." Despite his vocal aggression on the pitch, Van Dijk stresses the importance of a calm and clear mind for optimal decision-making. Coming back from his complex knee injury, he faced unprecedented public criticism, but his response was anchored in self-belief and performance. He speaks candidly about how the comments, though not directly read, "reach you anyway because you're family members you have friends people come to you saying how are you are you fine." His recovery and subsequent return to form were about making things right "for myself," aided by a crucial summer break and the captaincy.

Key Practices:

• Maintain a calm and clear mind to facilitate optimal decision-making under pressure.
• Prioritize staying on your feet and reading the game, viewing going to ground as a last resort.
• Continuously scan and anticipate opponents' actions, even "putting yourself in his mind."
• Leverage strong relationships with managers who can trigger and motivate the best performance.

Key Learnings:

• Effective coaching can involve aggressive, direct feedback that pushes players beyond their comfort zones.
• A club manager, especially at Liverpool, needs to deeply understand the city's culture and history.
• Playing a high defensive line requires coordinated team pressure on the ball and constant situational awareness.
• Overcoming external criticism during injury recovery demands internal motivation and a focus on personal performance, with supportive relationships being key.

Trophies, Teammates, and Tomorrow's Triumphs

Van Dijk's trophy cabinet gleams with the biggest honors, but his recollections are laced with emotion and gratitude. Winning the Champions League after the painful loss to Real Madrid the year prior made the triumph even sweeter. He describes the moment the final whistle blew as "emotional... because obviously of the hard work that obviously I've been going through but my wife and kids obviously as well each and every did the sacrifice they made." The Premier League win, breaking a 30-year drought, was equally special, though marred by the COVID-19 pandemic, which prevented a proper celebration with fans. This unfulfilled desire fuels his ambition: "The fact that you couldn't celebrate it properly with the fans make you perhaps more determined to try and win it again this year? Possibly, you're right."

He paid tribute to influential teammates, singling out Roberto Firmino for his instrumental role in supporting Salah and Mane, and for his "crazy" defensive work. Joel Matip, Salah, and Alisson Becker also received high praise, underscoring the collective effort of "this era that we have been on the Jurgen Club." Looking ahead, Van Dijk expresses immense pride in leading the Netherlands at Euro 2024, hoping to make the country proud, especially with the tournament being next door in Germany. When pressed on his ultimate ambition, his answer is unequivocal: "Both of them [Premier League and European Championship] and the Europa League... that's the aim."

Key Insights:

• Major trophy wins are emotionally charged experiences, deeply tied to personal sacrifice and family support.
• The absence of fan celebrations for a historic title (like the COVID-era Premier League) can create a powerful drive for future success.
• Team success is built on the contributions of every player, including unsung heroes and those who facilitate others' brilliance (like Firmino).
• Ambition remains high, with a multi-trophy objective reflecting a desire to maximize the current opportunities.

"Everyone journey is different and that's why you should embrace your own journey and enjoy it." - Virgil van Dijk