DESTINY’S CHILLED
Virgil: I’m never nervous, just excited.. playing for the semi-finals of the Champions League? I love it!
THE grin spreading across Virgil van Dijk’s face asked a simple question: ‘Pressure, what pressure?’
Liverpool’s forwards did their job at Anfield last week to set up a Champions League victory over the best team in England. Now the responsibility to complete the task passes to the Dutchman.
As the world’s most expensive defender, there is no hiding place. With a three-goal lead, there will be no excuses should the Reds blow a chance of a semi-final place at the Etihad.
Yet for Van Dijk that pressure is something to relish, not fear.
“I’m never nervous,” said the 26-year-old. “I’m just excited. I think, ‘Look where I am. Playing for the semi-finals of the Champions League with my team. Just enjoy it and love it’.
“We’re 3-0 up in a massive game, our fans are going to be ready and it’s a great place to play. It’s a fantastic opportunity.”
If anything, he admits, he is too relaxed. “I always have been, sometimes a little too much,” said the Holland star. “Sometimes that cost me back in the day. What we do as players is something you need to enjoy.
“If everything goes well I’ll play until I’m 36, 37, and then football is over, so just enjoy it. That is why I started to play football and why I wanted to do it day in, day out. Sometimes you lose, but if you win the feeling is amazing.”
For those wondering how he can enjoy taking on Manchester City’s forward line, the answer comes from his faith in the choice he made to join Liverpool.
Van Dijk is too smart to speak about City’s pursuit of his services last summer, but does make clear that once Jurgen Klopp came calling no other destination was possible.
“I knew from day one I wanted to come to Liverpool,” he added. “I wanted to make the next step here and I want to win trophies like everyone in our team.
“I’m enjoying every minute of it. It was right for me and my family. If you look around, Liverpool is the perfect fit. That’s how it is and how I feel and I hope it will be like that for years to come.
“I think with Liverpool every day is a challenge. You’re playing against the best strikers in Europe. It makes me keep going and will make me better every day.”