Virgil van Dijk is not affected by criticism and is striving to be as fit as possible

Virgil van Dijk says that negative criticism doesn’t affect him at all and that he is working hard to be the very best he can be for the Reds and for the Dutch national side.

Since signing for Liverpool from Southampton in January as part of a £75million deal, the Dutchman has upped his game and is now widely considered to be the best central defender in the Premier League and has helped the Reds become one of the stingiest defences in all of Europe.

While Andy Robertson, Joe Gomez, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alisson Becker have all contributed to the incredible defensive start this season, without Virgil van Dijk, there would undoubtedly be a dropoff in quality at the back.

Speaking to De Telegraaf – via Sport Witness – van Dijk has denied that he allows critics to affect his game.

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – Sunday, February 11, 2018: Liverpool’s manager Jürgen Klopp and Virgil van Dijk after the FA Premier League match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St. Mary’s Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

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“No, it does not bother me at all,” van Dijk said of any negative assessments.

“There are times when I am less sharp. I work on that and I get help from coaches and fellow players. It happens to many players, but it’s about whether those moments are punished.”

Van Dijk also explained his desire to be as fit as he can be and how he is going about being the ultimate athlete.

“Every three days a match, a day off in the month and continuous training, competition and recovery to get your body fit again for the next game. At the highest level, Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and Nations League with Oranje, plus all the travelling.

“Yes, then there is a lot of pressure on. It is important that you are free in your head and for that I rest a lot, just sleep. You do not see me in the pub after a game or during the week.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com