Virgil van Dijk on why he’s “I’m proud to wear” the Liverpool shirt

Virgil van Dijk believes Liverpool’s performance in the victory over Bayern Munich on Wednesday night was almost perfect.

After a cagey first half, during which a Joel Matip own goal cancelled out Sadio Mane’s opener, the Reds took control of proceedings and defeated the German club at their home ground.

And Van Dijk, who added a headed goal to Mane’s brace, couldn’t help but be very positive when asked if Liverpool’s performance was perfect.

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“[It was] very close. I think to perform like we did, especially after our away results in the group stages, was very important,” said the Dutchman, according to LiverpoolFC.com.

“We knew how they would definitely set up and how they would probably come for us as well, and I think we did fantastic.

“[To celebrate with the fans] was unbelievable. They come everywhere we go and it’s always a great feeling to play for this club and I’m proud to wear this shirt.”

When asked what Jurgen Klopp had directed them to do, the centre-back responded: “Obviously be brave when we have the ball, make sure everyone wants the ball and when we defend, defend all together.

“Be brave when we are defending as well and sometimes go one-v-one, and I think especially the second half we did very well.

“We knew it was going to be very tough. At home they showed us a lot of respect with the way they played because that’s not the way they play.

“We knew they would attack a little bit more and we would have more spaces to play and we used it as well.”

He added: “Sadio has been at a different level these last weeks, months, and he is having a fantastic season.

“To score that [first] goal is obviously a big blow for them because they have to score two and for us we were then unlucky to concede the equaliser, but the second half was outstanding.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com