Nerveless Virgil ready to shackle City strikeforce

VIRGIL VAN DIJK insists he’s not under pressure as he bids to keep Manchester City’s strikeforce at bay. Liverpool’s forwards did their job at Anfield last week to set up a 3-0 victory over the best team in England. Now it’s up to the former Celtic star and the Reds defence to complete the task and reach the Champions League semi-finals. As the world’s most expensive defender there is no hiding place.

“We are 3-0 up in a massive game, our fans are going to be ready and it is a great place to play. It is a fantastic opportunity.

“I have always have been relaxed, sometimes a little too much. Sometimes that cost me back in the day. If BY DAVID MADDOCK everything goes well I will 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 the Holland star can enjoy taking on City’s starstudded forward line the answer comes from his faith in the choice he made to join Liverpool.

Van Dijk said: “I knew from day one we made the right decision. I wanted to come to Liverpool.

“I wanted to make the next step here and I want to win trophies like everyone in our team.

“Liverpool is the perfect fit. I hope it will be like that for years to come.

“You want the challenge and to have every day that feeling you need to push yourself, otherwise it becomes a little bit boring. With Liverpool every day is a challenge.

“You are playing against one of the best strikers in Europe. It will make me better every day.”