Virgil van Dijk says that being laid off for ten months with an ACL damage was ‘among the finest instances of my life’.
The Liverpool captain, who gained the PFA Participant of the 12 months in 2019, was stored out of motion after a problem from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in October 2020.
That damage contributed to derailing Liverpool’s hopes of retaining their Premier League crown and was a ‘robust’ time for van Dijk – but in addition got here with an surprising profit.
Virgil van Dijk opens up on how severe damage obtained in his head
Van Dijk admits that the damage nonetheless comes up greater than he would love, with some suggesting he has not fairly been the identical participant since returning in 2021.
However the Dutchman has been decided to not let it get to him, telling GQ: “Each mistake, in any recreation, folks will seek advice from the damage.
Virgil van Dijk celebrated his second Premier League title with Liverpool on Sunday afternoon (Picture credit score: Getty Photographs)
“I do know you are able to do 9 issues proper and one factor unsuitable, and other people will solely concentrate on that one unsuitable factor. It could possibly mess your head up and then you definately lose confidence – you’re feeling scared to make errors.
“Confidence is sort of a flower. Jurgen [Klopp] taught me that. It’s delicate. It may be simply crushed. So I do know I’ve to speak management simply by somebody taking a look at me.”
Jurgen Klopp helped Virgil van Dijk get by way of his damage worries (Picture credit score: Getty Photographs)
Van Dijk additionally discovered fulfilment away from the pitch throughout his ACL restoration as he obtained some uncommon time to spend together with his household – therefore the ‘among the finest instances of my life’ remark.
He clarified: “Look, it was robust, mentally greater than something.
“You do have sleepless nights. You retain asking your self, ‘How is that this gonna pan out? Will I be the identical participant?’
“However bodily, I believe, since you’re an athlete, you may cope.”
Virgil van Dijk just lately signed a brand new two-year take care of Liverpool (Picture credit score: Alamy)
“I needed to do the vast majority of my rehab away from the membership, in Dubai, so I used to be with my household, which was so good.
“Seven weeks with them. I by no means get to do this.
“It was among the greatest household time I’ve ever had. And, clearly, nobody desires to get a severe knee damage, however that point we had was type of value it.”
