VVD SALUTE TO ARMBAND OF BROTHERS

VIRGIL VAN DIJK has revealed the pride that is driving Liverpool’s defensive renaissance.

The Dutchman has been the catalyst for a complete transformation in the team’s backline almost a year on from their meltdown at Wembley, where they were thrashed 4-1 by Spurs.

But he hailed his fellow defenders as being worthy of equal praise and believes the responsibility of leading national teams is one of the reasons for the dramatic turnaround.

Van Dijk is Holland captain, Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson was last week given the same honour by Scotland and with centreback Joe Gomez previously England Under-21 skipper, there is suddenly a wealth of defensive excellence at Anfield.

“It’s something special – not only for yourself, but also for your family, and the hard work you’ve put in since day one,” said Van Dijk.

“It’s very special. I think it’s one of the biggest honours of your career, personally, to be the captain of your country.

“When I saw Robbo was made captain of Scotland, I was very happy for him. I Facetimed him and congratulated him.”

Van Dijk has been lauded as the player who has made all the difference for the Reds, with statistics showing they have the best defensive record in the Premier League since his £75million arrival from Southampton in January.

That does not show the whole picture, with the team improving massively since October’s drubbing by Tottenham. Van Dijk picked up Liverpool’s player of the month award yesterday, only the fifth time a defender has won it in the past five years at the club.

The 27-year-old centreback said: “It’s my first one and I’m very pleased to have won it, but almost everyone in the team deserved it this month; everyone has been outstanding, giving their all, and you could see that in the results.

“I’m very happy we’re doing so well at the moment and we need to keep going.

“I am enjoying every bit of it, but that’s all credit to all of the players involved.

“It’s not only me and I would never take credit on my own.

“We do it all together and it starts on the training pitch.”

Liverpool are lining up a move for England’s junior-level goalkeeping coach Jack Robinson. Robinson, who was at Manchester United, will help No.1 goalkeeping coach John Achterberg.