Virgil van Dijk credits 'discipline and dedication' behind his Liverpool success

The veteran defender enjoyed another outstanding season in 2025-26, becoming the only outfield player in the Premier League to play every minute of his club's campaign. It was another remarkable achievement in his eighth full season at Liverpool and further strengthened a legacy that already includes more than 370 appearances and two league titles.

Van Dijk, who turns 35 in July, said his ability to stay fit and available throughout the season came down to a consistent approach away from the pitch.

"Discipline, discipline and discipline," he said.

"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."

The Dutch international explained that maintaining peak condition required hard work behind the scenes.

"It is a combination of recovering well, eating well, the right lifestyle in total, also physical therapy," he said.

"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."

Apart from the serious knee injury that sidelined him for much of the 2020-21 campaign, Van Dijk has been a constant presence for Liverpool. He revealed that one of his busiest seasons actually came immediately after returning from that injury setback.

"I do everything for playing matches and I want to keep doing it at the highest level," he said.

As Liverpool's captain and most experienced player, Van Dijk believes he also has a responsibility to set an example for younger teammates.

"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," he said.

"That's down to them as well to make that next step."

Van Dijk has also reflected on the leadership role he has carried since arriving at Anfield in January 2018. He believes the responsibility of helping guide a successful Liverpool side has played a major role in his development as a player.

"That responsibility made me also the player that I am today," he said. "It has been a privilege as well."

His focus now turns to the World Cup after Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman named him in the country's final 26-man squad. Van Dijk will captain the Dutch side as they begin their Group F campaign against Japan, Sweden and Tunisia.