Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, who turns 35 next month, shows no signs of slowing down after being the only outfield player to play every minute of the Premier League season last campaign. The Dutch defender has made 374 appearances over eight-and-a-half years at Anfield, winning every major trophy and cementing his legacy as one of the club's greatest defenders.
A Season of Consistency
Despite Liverpool's disappointing title defence under former manager Arne Slot, Van Dijk was a constant presence. He played every minute of the Premier League season, contributing six goals. This feat made him the only ever-present outfield player in the league.
The Secret to Longevity
Speaking in Liverpool FC's official eMagazine WALK ON, Van Dijk emphasized discipline as the key. “Discipline, discipline and discipline! For me it is something that is quite normal because I feel the responsibility to be there every time and also to perform every time,” he said.
He noted that in the previous season (2024-25), he didn't achieve the same feat, being benched for the Brighton game. “So, it’s not really a surprise, but obviously I’m doing a lot of hard work behind the scenes in order to be ready and take the responsibility for the team.”
Van Dijk highlighted a combination of factors: “Recovering well, eating well, the right lifestyle in total, also physical therapy. I can’t tell you the details, but yoga, everything. That’s part of it, to make sure that you can perform at a constant level.”
He recalled his remarkable consistency despite a major knee injury: “I’ve had one season here that unfortunately I had to miss a lot of, but in the rest of the seasons I think I’ve played more than 40 matches. And I think the most matches before this season have been played in the season after my knee injury. That’s quite remarkable.”
World Cup and New Season Ahead
Van Dijk is currently in North America captaining the Netherlands at the World Cup, his second finals appearance. After the tournament, he will return to Liverpool under new head coach Andoni Iraola. He is expected to partner either incoming signing Jeremy Jacquet or young Italian Giovanni Leoni in defence.
Despite being the oldest player in the squad, Van Dijk embraces his role: “I’m in a situation where obviously I am the oldest in the team. But for me, it doesn’t really change anything. I just want to inspire – let other players see what I do in order to be playing the amount of games I’ve been playing and the consistency that I have. It’s down to them as well to make that next step.”
He reflected on his journey: “I joined eight-and-a-half years ago and six months later I was named third captain. That responsibility made me also the player that I am today – leading and being part of the group that has been so successful. It has been a privilege as well.”
