Virgil van Dijk knows that establishing a partnership with Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo will take time, but the early signs are positive despite a language barrier.
Van Dijk is on the cusp of his 10th season at Liverpool and will be partnered by someone new after Ibrahima Konate‘s departure in the summer.
Jacquet and Araujo played 45 minutes each in the 2-0 win over Como, both offering a glimpse at what could be expected should they line up alongside their captain at Newcastle on Sunday.
After limited time on the training ground, Van Dijk told reporters after the match, via HaytersTV: “I think he (Jacquet) did well, same as Ronald.
“It’s a start, a good start, so hopefully he (Jacquet) can crack on.”
Jeremy Jacquet, Ronaldo Araujo and Virgil van Dijk’s language barrier
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It remains to be seen who Andoni Iraola will turn to at St James’ Park with Jacquet lacking match fitness and Araujo only arriving last week.
The head coach will want a settled partnership, and Van Dijk highlighted that connection between centre-backs is predominantly developed by playing together rather than training.
A process that will also help overcome the language barrier, with English not Jacquet nor Araujo’s first language.
“[We build a relationship] by playing games,” Van Dijk explained when asked about establishing a connection with his new defensive partners.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet celebrates with team-mates after scoring the second goal on his debut during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet celebrates with team-mates after scoring the second goal on his debut during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“I won’t say it’s the only way, but games are totally different than training.
“Jeremy’s English is, I would say, a bit better than Ronald’s, but at the end of the day, we are all pretty good footballers. We can see and smell some moments on how to defend certain situations.
“But it’s pretty clear that you need to form a connection together, and that takes a bit of time.
“In my opinion, that’s absolutely normal, but hopefully we can get that going as quickly as possible.”
Jacquet’s appearance against Como marked his first minutes in six months following shoulder surgery, and Van Dijk conceded the Frenchman was a “bit tired” after his first-half spell.
“Like I said, I think he (Jacquet) did well,” the captain continued.
“I think he came out of it a bit tired, but it’s absolutely normal when you’re playing your first 45 minutes after such a long time.
“Now it’s down to him to recover. We’ll be back on the pitch tomorrow (Monday) morning and then we’re working towards Newcastle; St James’ Park will always be a tough one.”
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CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Leeds won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool FC v Leeds United FC
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Stefan Bajcetic walks out to watch the second half during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Leeds won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)