Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk could celebrate his long-awaited return to the competitive game against Norwich City
– Photo credit: Paul Chesterton / Focus Images Ltd
Virgil van Dijk is well on his way to winning his fitness battle to return to the Liverpool Premier League opener in Norwich City.
The classic center-back was a big mistake in the after a nine-month hiatus with a knee injury The Reds failed to defend their title.
Van Dijk returned to his long-awaited return in the pre-season friendly against Hertha Berlin last week and wants to be part of Jürgen Klopp’s plans for Saturday’s trip to Norfolk.
The former Celtic ace will take part in the Anfield friendly against Bilbao on Sunday afternoon while the Reds refine their preparations for the Canary Islands.
« At the end of the day, it comes down to what the manager wants and we’ll see how it goes from here, » said he. “That’s what I’ve worked for so long (for). It may be a small thing, but starting team training was such a big day for me; I don’t usually get really nervous, but little things like that don’t make me nervous, just a little excited and all.
« Same with the game – you’ve shown yourself so many times that you’re playing a game again and just being out there again.
“Of course there are still a lot of things to improve and get fully fit again, but getting out has given me so much confidence. I’m just ready to go on, go on.
« You can go back to team training, but if your knee reacts to it or your knee can’t handle it, you have to slow down a bit of course. Surprisingly, it went very well for some, no reaction, the feeling is good, the self-confidence is there and it’s all about getting fit again. ”
On the eve of the new Premier League, the Dutch international felt a renewed determination in the Liverpool squad and believes that team spirit will be crucial to compete with title rivals again.
“I think this should be a standard on a team. You should be able to have a good team spirit, otherwise you wouldn’t be successful anyway, ”he told the official website of his club. “So that should be the basis for success, in order to have the right team spirit. Then everything revolves around what happens on the pitch in those 95 minutes.
« If we do everything together, apply pressure together, defend together, as we always want to do, we always have a good chance of a good one Result. So that’s the focus we should have, and I’m confident that will happen. «
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