Van Dijk Urges Liverpool to Sustain Champions League Winning Run

Building consistency at home became a priority for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk as the team prepared to face Villarreal in the Champions League at Anfield on Tuesday night, October 20, 2026. According to his notes in the club's official matchday program, the defender urged his teammates to extend their winning form after two consecutive away victories and strengthen their position in the league phase.

The Villarreal fixture also marked the beginning of four consecutive home matches for Liverpool following a demanding period of travel. Van Dijk highlighted victories over LASK and Brentford as evidence of the team's ability to secure results under pressure, while acknowledging the disappointment of the previous week's match against Manchester City.

Reflecting on Liverpool's recent performances, Van Dijk emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum after overcoming a difficult stretch of fixtures.

"We come into this game after two hard-fought away wins against LASK and Brentford, and it is important that we do everything we can to maintain that positive momentum tonight," Van Dijk wrote.

The captain also pointed to the significance of Liverpool's latest Premier League result, which followed their setback against Manchester City. He described the Brentford victory as particularly valuable given the circumstances surrounding the team's recent run of matches.

"Saturday's win against Brentford, as I say, was hard-fought and very important, especially considering the disappointment of the game against Manchester City the previous week," Van Dijk explained.

Van Dijk said Liverpool had made progress under manager Andoni Iraola, although he acknowledged that the team still had work to do. He highlighted collective effort, defensive resilience, and the ability to compete consistently as important objectives for the squad.

Assessing the team's development, the defender pointed to performances in Austria and the recent match against Brentford as signs of improvement.

"I think there, and also in Austria a few days earlier, you can see the steps forward this team is taking," Van Dijk continued.

He stressed that Liverpool's players were working toward a more resilient team capable of remaining united and producing results in different circumstances. Van Dijk also said the squad understood the standards expected of players representing the club.

"We are far from perfect, but we are all working extremely hard to become a team that is difficult to beat, that sticks together and can compete and achieve results consistently. That is what is expected of you when you play for Liverpool, and everyone in the dressing room understands that, I assure you," Van Dijk said.

The captain also emphasized the importance of turning individual victories into a consistent habit. Liverpool had won their first two matches in the Champions League league phase, and the Villarreal encounter offered another opportunity to continue that record.

Van Dijk said the squad had the ability to meet its ambitions but needed to demonstrate that potential through performances on the pitch.

"This group of players has quality and potential, without a doubt, and now it is up to us to prove it," the Liverpool captain added.

He explained that the team's attention had shifted immediately to Villarreal after the final whistle against Brentford, reflecting the demands of competing at the highest level.

"We have made a good start to our Champions League campaign, with two wins in two games, and we want to maintain that run tonight. Winning is a habit in football, and we all want to develop it," Van Dijk said.

Beyond the team's European ambitions, the match also carried personal significance for the defender. According to his matchday program notes, Van Dijk had reached 200 appearances as Liverpool captain across all competitions, including 150 in the Premier League.

Reflecting on the milestone, Van Dijk expressed pride in leading the team and appreciation for the responsibility that comes with the captain's armband.

"Personally, I am enormously proud to have reached 200 matches as Liverpool captain, 150 of them in the Premier League," Van Dijk revealed.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the role ahead of the Villarreal fixture at Anfield.

"It is a privilege that I will never, ever take for granted, and tonight I will wear the armband with pride once again. And I hope that, at the end of the match, we will all celebrate together again," Van Dijk said.