Virgil van Dijk on the title race, Everton and more

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has sat down for an exclusive interview with ESPN FC, in which he discussed a wide range of topics.

Here’s what the Dutchman had to say

On the Premier League title race…

I don’t see it as a two-horse race. If you look at everyone around us, Chelsea, Arsenal, then everyone has been doing brilliantly so far and it’s going to be very interesting.It will be very difficult, but we need to look at ourselves. That’s the only thing, what is best for us.

On dealing with the pressure of being the world’s most expensive defender…

Obviously, it can turn in like a second. If things are not going well, then people will talk about that [transfer fee] but it is something that I can’t obviously manage, so I just need to accept it. I am very proud that Liverpool paid that much for me to come and play for their club. The only thing I need to do is work hard and work well for the club. But I am progressing myself as a player, with different tactics, different environment and a lot of pressure in every game where you need to win is something that I like and what I love to do. That is why I started playing football as well I think.

On his expectations when moving to Liverpool…

I’ve expected a lot from myself, to improve as a player and as a human being as well. It has been going well and good, obviously, but in the end, we have nothing at this moment other than a lot of improvement and being on the right track.

On the feel-good factor at Anfield…

I feel there is something going on here. We have got great momentum at the moment. Everyone is feeling good. Obviously, we can all still improve a lot of our game, but like I said, there is definitely the feeling that we are on the right track.

On Sunday’s injury-time winner against Everton…

I don’t think it means anything at this point. The thing is, we have so many games still to play and so many difficult ones for everyone in the league. But to score in the dying seconds if always something special, and especially in the Merseyside derby.