Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has clear expectations for his new defensive partners, Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo, as the Reds enter a new era under Andoni Iraola.
The 35-year-old Dutch defender will mentor the two new signings, who impressed in Liverpool's 2-0 pre-season win over Como on Sunday. Jacquet, making his first appearance since his £60m move from Rennes, scored and was replaced at half-time by Araujo, who joined on loan from Barcelona.
Van Dijk's Praise and Advice
After the match, Van Dijk praised both players, acknowledging they will need time to adapt. "I think Jeremy did well, same as Ronald," he said. "It's a start, a good start so hopefully he can crack on."
He added, "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."
Demand One: A Willingness to Learn
Van Dijk values a partner who is eager to develop and learn the fundamentals of the position. In July 2022, he praised Ibrahima Konate, who left for Real Madrid this summer, for his dedication to learning when he joined Liverpool.
"What I like the most about him is the will to learn each and every day as well," Van Dijk said. "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."
Demand Two: Honesty with One Another
Van Dijk insists on raw honesty among defenders to improve performances. After Liverpool's 2-2 draw with West Brom in April 2018, he told Sky Sports, "We need to be honest with ourselves and everyone was. 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."
Demand Three: Keep Each Other Alert
Van Dijk also expects his partners to stay alert and communicate constantly. Speaking in 2022, he revealed his habit of shouting orders to keep everyone focused.
"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."
He added, "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."
