Liverpool’s Captain Virgil van Dijk Issues Rallying Call During Pre-Season Preparations
As Liverpool return to the pitch for their pre-season tour in Hong Kong, skipper Virgil van Dijk has laid out a clear message for the club’s new arrivals: settle in quickly, work hard and be ready to give everything for the shirt. With Hugo Ekitike becoming the seventh addition to the squad this summer, the Dutch defender has welcomed the fresh faces while reminding them of the relentless standards expected at the reigning Premier League champions.
New Faces, Same Demands
Liverpool’s summer recruitment has been purposeful and swift. Ekitike, signed from Eintracht Frankfurt, landed in Hong Kong just a day after his transfer was confirmed and wasted no time linking up with his new teammates during an open training session. He joins a group of new signings that includes Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman and young goalkeeper Armin Pecsi.
Van Dijk, who captained Arne Slot’s side to their first league title since 2020, emphasised that talent alone is not enough to succeed at Liverpool.
“Coming to Liverpool, they will definitely have the quality to play for Liverpool,” he said in a conversation with The Anfield Wrap. “For me, it’s very important as well how you settle in the group and how you fit into the squad that we have.
“And I think they did [so] perfectly well. All of them.
“We don’t speak about Armin [Pecsi], a young goalie who just came in, has settled in pretty well. Obviously Freddie [Woodman], Giorgi [Mamardashvili], Flo [Florian Wirtz], Jeremie [Frimpong] [and Milos Kerkez].
“Hugo came today of course.
“Everyone has to work hard and we’re all in this together, that’s the main thing. We have to fight for everything that’s ahead of us.”
Pre-Season Under Arne Slot Enters Crucial Stage
With Liverpool now under the leadership of Arne Slot, who enjoyed a sensational debut season by lifting the Premier League trophy, pre-season carries extra weight. Expectations are high and the demands are clear. The transition to Slot’s style of play began smoothly last season but embedding a new generation of players into the system is key to staying ahead.
Van Dijk’s words are not just a pep talk. They reflect a culture built on intensity, unity and accountability. Slot has already instilled those values, and the captain is making sure they resonate throughout the squad.
Hugo Ekitike’s Arrival Brings Excitement and Expectation
Hugo Ekitike arrives with glowing numbers from his time at Eintracht Frankfurt, having netted 22 goals and provided 12 assists last season. But Van Dijk was quick to bring focus to the work ahead rather than past achievements.
“It’s good to have him here,” said the Liverpool captain.
“I said to him, ‘The hard work starts now.’ He has to work his socks off and be important for us whenever he can. That’s the main thing.”
Ekitike has the physical profile and attacking instincts to thrive in the Premier League but will need to adjust quickly to the tempo and pressure that comes with wearing the red shirt. If he can translate his Bundesliga form into consistent contributions at Anfield, Liverpool will have added a valuable weapon to their title defence.
Unity at the Heart of Liverpool’s Success
As Van Dijk made clear, the journey ahead is not about individual accolades. It’s about pulling together in pursuit of more silverware. Slot’s Liverpool are no longer outsiders or chasing shadows. They are champions, and champions are measured by how well they defend their crown.
In this vital pre-season phase, bonds are being formed, roles are being defined and the standard is being set from the very top. For Liverpool, led by a captain who has seen both glory and hardship in red, the mission is clear: stay sharp, stay together and stay ahead.
