Virgil van Dijk relishing being link between Arne Slot and Liverpool teammates

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is enjoying life under Arne Slot and relishing his role of being the link between the new head coach and the rest of the squad.

The Netherlands international has had a key role to play in a summer of upheaval at Anfield after the departure of long-time manager Jurgen Klopp and his entire backroom staff.

However, the arrival of his compatriot has brought fresh ideas and the campaign has begun well with two victories.

A post shared by Virgil van Dijk (@virgilvandijk)

Predictions of a struggle without the influential Klopp have so far proved unfounded but after wins over newly-promoted Ipswich and Brentford the first real test comes on Sunday at Old Trafford.

However, the mood in the camp is buoyant and Van Dijk has done his utmost to help make the transition as seamless as possible.

“I’ve actually enjoyed it so far, I’m having fun,” he told the PA news agency at a McDonald’s Fun Football session – which has provided over 500,000 children with free football in the last two years – in Bollington, Cheshire.

“Obviously with big changes happening this summer it was always going to be interesting how things would be but the feeling so far has been very good and I can definitely speak for the rest of the team as well.

“I’ve mentioned to the boss as well in my first chat with him that whatever he needs, anything he has in his mind, I am there for him.

“We all want to achieve the maximum at the club that we can compete in and we have to be on the same page and that’s what I’ve mentioned to him.

“He knows that I’m behind him – that’s what a captain has to do anyway but I’ve really made sure that I am there for him.”

As one of the most senior players Van Dijk has an important role to play on and