Virgil van Dijk: Winning is a habit - and it is a habit we all want to get into

Andoni Iraola’s side host Villarreal in the Champions League league phase this evening (8pm BST kick-off), which begins a run of four home fixtures in a row across all competitions.

They will be aiming to build further upon consecutive victories in Europe and the Premier League away from home last week.

In his matchday programme notes, captain Van Dijk writes: “We arrive into this game on the back of two hard-fought wins away to LASK and Brentford, and it is important that we do everything we can to maintain that forward momentum this evening.

“Having done a lot of travelling in the last week, our next four games are all at home and we need to use that to our advantage if we can. Anfield is always a special place to play, and especially on Champions League nights such as this. The atmosphere will be amazing and hopefully we can give you all something to cheer and smile about.

“Saturday’s victory at Brentford, like I say, was extremely hard-fought and extremely important, even more so given the disappointment of the Manchester City game the previous week.

“We know that it is a very difficult place to go for any team, and the fact that we were able to come through a tough first half and come away with the three points was very pleasing. We showed character and we deserved what we got.

“I believe you can see there, and in Austria a few days before that, the steps that this team is making. We are not perfect, by any means, but we are all working extremely hard to become a team that is hard to beat, which sticks together and which can compete and get results on a consistent basis.

“That is what is expected of you when you play for Liverpool, and everyone inside the dressing room understands that, I can assure you. The quality and the potential is there within this group of players, for sure, and it is up to us now to deliver.

“Villarreal will be another big test for us, especially on the back of the work we put in at the weekend. From the moment the final whistle went at Brentford, our attention turned to this game. Recover and prepare, that’s the way it is when you play for this club, and the games come thick and fast.

“We have started our Champions League campaign well, with two wins from two, and we want to continue that form tonight. Winning is a habit in football, and it is a habit we all want to get into.

“From a personal perspective, I am extremely proud to have reached 200 appearances as captain of Liverpool, 150 of which have been in the Premier League.

“I have said many times before that being the captain of this club is a huge honour, and something I could never have dreamed of when I started my footballing journey.

“The privilege is one I will never, ever take for granted, and I will wear the armband with pride again this evening.

“And hopefully come the end of the match we are all celebrating together once again.”

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