Virgil van Dijk brings in new pre-match routine to 'set the tone' for Liverpool

Van Dijk has brought in the idea of a pre-match team huddle, which he revealed is something he enjoyed when he was playing for Celtic.

The Dutch centre-back back believes the players coming together ahead of kick-off shows their togetherness and readiness to start the game on the right foot.

"It was something that we did when I was a Celtic player," Van Dijk said. "And I always liked it because I thought it set the tone for the game and it also gave the crowd a signal that we were ready to go.

"It can also help the atmosphere with it being so close to the match starting, so if our fans want to join in by building up the noise and adding to the sense of anticipation I certainly won't complain, even if it makes it difficult for me to make myself heard.

Van Dijk added: "This club has had some incredible captains over the years, leaders who would bring the best out of themselves and their team time and time again.

"So to be on the list with people like that is definitely not the kind of thing that I would have expected when I started playing.

"But the most important thing for me is that I am part of a team of leaders, individually, who find their own way to take responsibility no matter who is wearing the armband."

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