Van Dijk: Discipline, Discipline, and More Discipline

Discipline and proper off-field work are fundamental to the longevity of a football career, stated Liverpool defender and captain Virgil van Dijk. He emphasized that as a leader, he feels a responsibility to his teammates and obligates himself to be ready for every match. When asked how he maintains peak physical condition so deep into his career, the 35-year-old Van Dijk responded: "Discipline, discipline, and more discipline."

"For me, it's completely normal because I feel a sense of responsibility when I'm on the pitch. Last year, for the first time in a long while, I didn't play every minute, as I was benched late in the game against Brighton. I put in a lot of effort to be ready for my team," the Liverpool captain added in an interview for the club shop's publication, WALK ON.

"It's all a combination of good recovery, nutrition, and a proper lifestyle. Also, physiotherapy. I can't go into every detail, but the process includes yoga and other things. You just have to make sure you're putting in maximum effort to be ready to consistently play at the highest level," he continued.

"There was one season where, unfortunately, I had to miss quite a few matches, but in the others, I've played at least 40. In the year after my knee injury, I even played the most games. That's remarkable, and it was interesting to learn. The most important thing, however, is to play. I continue to do so and strive to do it at a high level," he further stated.

"I am the oldest player in the squad, but that doesn't change anything. I want others to be inspired by the fact that I can still play matches and maintain consistent form. I arrived here eight and a half years ago, and six months later, I became captain. It's precisely this responsibility that makes me the person I am today," Van Dijk concluded.