Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk knows exactly what he needs from the club's new recruits in defence
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool looks on during the during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco at Anfield on August 09, 2026 in Liverpool, England.
Virgil van Dijk knows what he wants from his defensive partners(Image: 2026 Lewis Storey - Danehouse)
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Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk knows just what he wants from a centre-back partner. The 35-year-old Reds captain is entering a new era under Andoni Iraola and with it comes two new defenders he will have to mentor and instruct.
Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo impressed at the back as Liverpool signed off from pre-season with a 2-0 win over Serie A side Como on Sunday. Jacquet was making his first appearance since his £60m move from Rennes was confirmed on July 1.
He also scored against the Italians, topping off his assured showing. The France Under-21 international was replaced at the break by Araujo, who joined on loan from Barcelona. The Uruguayan played on the front foot and showed a remarkable controlled aggression.
Afterwards, Van Dijk praised the duo, acknowledging they will need time to learn. "I think Jeremy did well, same as Ronald," the Dutch defender said. "It's a start, a good start so hopefully he can crack on.
"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. [We'll build a relationship] by playing games. I won't say it's the only way, but games are totally different than training."
The new defensive duo will no doubt have been hanging on their captain's every word, but what exactly does it take to make it as one of Van Dijk's centre-back partners? It appears the Dutch international has three demands that his defending partners must abide by and the ECHO has taken a closer look.
A willingness to learn
Van Dijk wants his centre-half partner to develop experience in the role and possess a keen eye for learning the basics.
Speaking to the club's official website in July 2022, Van Dijk was thrilled to see Ibrahima Konate, who left Anfield this summer for Real Madrid, apply himself to understanding the position when he first joined the Reds four years ago.
Liverpool's French defender #05 Jeremy Jacquet (L) warms up with Liverpool's Dutch defender #04 Virgil van Dijk (R) before the pre-season friendly football match between Liverpool and Como at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on August 16, 2026. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images)
Jeremy Jacquet will know what's required of him thanks to Virgil van Dijk(Image: Getty)
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The Dutch star said: “What I like the most about him is the will to learn each and every day as well. Obviously there are loads of things that can improve – and that’s good because he has time, he needs the experience. In my opinion, experience is a big thing for a centre-half to learn and to take with you.
“In his case, I’m very happy to see him develop, I’m very happy to see him shine on and off the pitch, he’s a fantastic character. But I can say that about the other two [Joe Gomez and Joel Matip] as well."
Honesty with one another
In April 2018, Van Dijk was left fuming after Liverpool conceded two late goals in a 2-2 draw with West Brom in the Premier League.
Afterwards, he told Sky Sports that raw, unfiltered honesty with his team-mates is the best policy in order to improve performances on the pitch.
"We need to be honest with ourselves and everyone was," he said. "We need to do better. You have to tell each other the truth, you cannot be nice and happy when we want to achieve so much as a team, as a club."
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Keep each other alert
Speaking in 2022, Van Dijk outlined the tough demands he makes of his players. The Reds' captain revealed he likes to bark orders at his team-mates as he looks to keep them on alert and on their toes.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Ronald Araujo of Liverpool looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como Calcio at Anfield on August 16, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Ronald Araujo looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool and Como at Anfield(Image: Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
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"My role is the same with or without the armband," he said. "I try to take responsibility because in my position, I have to and I want to as well. I tried to lead the boys from behind and most of the time, I have an overview of the whole pitch so I can try to shout to the front three, whether they hear it or not.
"Around me as well with the goalie, the full-backs, or the midfielders, I try to shout at them, whether it is nonsense or things that are necessary and need to be said. I think it is a very important thing in football to keep each other awake and alert. Sometimes they have to shout it to me as well and they will."