Virgil van Dijk prepares for pivotal role at Liverpool amid squad changes
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 10, 2026, 11:00 AM
Last updated Aug 10, 2026
Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool's 35-year-old center-back, is set for another demanding season as the team's last fit senior defender. Despite a penalty conceded in a recent 3-2 loss to Monaco, Van Dijk aims to maintain his fitness and be available for every match. With younger teammates joining the squad and a new manager, Van Dijk's leadership will be crucial. He has expressed readiness for the challenges ahead and emphasizes the importance of mental and physical preparation.
- •Van Dijk acknowledges being the team's sole experienced center-back.
- •He played the most minutes in Europe's top leagues last season.
- •Liverpool is undergoing a transition with younger players joining the squad.
- •Van Dijk emphasizes the need for proper conditioning and readiness.
- •New manager Andoni Iraola has the support of Van Dijk as captain.
- 11:00 AMYahoo Sports — How ageless wonder Virgil van Dijk holds the key to new-look Liverpool’s season
"Van Dijk has become Liverpool’s last centre-back standing but is ready for another long season as he welcomes new teammates and a new manager into the fold
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