Virgil van Dijk’s Hardest Opponents, Winning A Champions League & The Klopp Effect | EP 103
The Liverpool captain joins Gary and Micah on The Rest is Football.
He discusses the Klopp Factor, that Champions League Triumph & how Liverpool can win the league.
What makes Jurgen Klopp so special? And how did Virgil and his teammates celebrate winning the Champions League in 2019. Plus what do Liverpool need to do to win the Premier League this year?
Virgil van Dijk was speaking exclusively to The Rest Is Football at the launch of this year’s McDonald’s Fun Football programme, which aims to encourage participation in the sport through free coaching sessions for children.
#specialguest #podcast #vandijk
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00:00 - Intro
00:32 - McDonald’s Fun Football
02:55 - Virgil’s Career Start
04:45 - Appendix Issues
05:27 - Moving To Celtic
09:45 - English v Scotland Football
13:00 - Moving To Liverpool
15:25 - The Pressure Of The Pricetag
19:00 - Winning The CL & PL
24:23 - VVD’s ‘Hero’
25:55 - Different Coaches
26:55 - Koeman’s Influence
28:30 - What Makes Klopp So Special?
31:00 - Best Player Played With?
32:55 - The High Line & Defending
36:40 - Difficult Opponents
40:27 - Coming Back From Injury
43:50 - EURO 2024
I know Gary was talking about getting guests on but bloody hell i was not expecting VVD. Also this is the quietist Micah has ever been in a podcast, must be admiration from one defender to another 😎. Great show lads.
seems like Micah was told to behave
Personally, I think that’s one of Micah’s biggest strengths as a pundit. When he’s with Alan and Gary, because he knows them so well, he goes all-in trying to entertain. I think he does, and he does it well. However, when there’s a guest on, whether he’s a fan of that person or not (definitely is in this case, obviously), he consciously tones himself down. I don’t mean that in a negative way like he doesn’t want to look stupid, or he’s been told to behave himself, I believe it’s purely out of respect for the guest. The guest is, effectively, the star of the show. He instinctively knows that whoever that guest may be, they need the breathing room to talk freely. He still manages to have a laugh, which I would imagine is great for a guest who might be slightly nervous or tense, but he does it just the perfect amount. To me, he’s why this podcast is so popular. Don’t get me wrong, I love Linekar, I think he’s a great presenter, and Alan Shearer is brilliant despite his only attempt ls at humour being swearing and telling Gary he has big ears, but Micah is the one who elevates it. You know, if he’s asked a question and his answer starts with “basically…” you know there’s going to be a great story. This and the Overlap are the only football podcasts I can listen to (or watch) now, because the rest are just drivel. I watched the Rio Ferdinand one once, but only last ten minutes as the other guys on it are obnoxious and frankly a bit dumb. They’re just not good enough. Others from the Goal Hanger stable like The Rest is Entertainment are also excellent. The one I’ve just mentioned being my favourite alongside this (probably moreso). Anyway…
That was a long read! 😭 However I think you're spot on! Micah! What a guy!!
@@crow1989 Haha sorry, I tend to go on a bit. Kind of a stream-of-consciousness thing! 🤣
@@chrisknight2631 I’m afraid The Overlap gets the nod for me. I quite like Micah, he seems a decent, likable bloke, however I can only take him in small doses. But I’m sure that’s my fault. Gary I find a little bland, and Shearer I think could do with a dose of humility. There’s a smugness there that rubs me the wrong way. The Overlap I find to be the perfect blend of unmatched footy knowledge, banter, raucous humor, camaraderie and laddish vulgarity.
Micah smiling non-stop this whole episode. Not one hysterical laugh or joke. In the presence of greatness. VVD top class.
Big Meeks looked like Mini Meeks tbh...in a good way though...like you say the respect he has was obvious. Really enjoyable.
VVD is also the best looking player in the PL.
Get you a partner who looks at you the way Micah looks at Virgil 😍😂
Virgil’s love for Matip is real people, brothers. 😊
very good partnership
If he had not been injured so often, Matip would have been recognised as one of the great Premier League defenders. He has been very unlucky.
Kind of makes sense in some way, they both come from mixed backgrounds and Gelsenkirchen isn’t far from the Netherlands and the areas they grew up in were both fairly rough. They must be able to relate to one another on a more personal level outside football.
Played in the return leg of the Barca game, and in the final. Started 1 of the 3 CL finals and that’s the one we won. Speaks enough volume to me, anyways. Matip is great. My favourite player and character in the team. Not the best, but my favourite.
Calm as u like, it's Virgil Van Dijk
I like how he says "obviously I'm very aggressive, I'm very vocal" in such a calm way at (39:19).
The impact he and Ali had is crazy. Literally the foundations our success is built upon. It’s been a joy to live through this era as a supporter. My kids know no different!
Spot on mate...your kids have been spoilt lol
And Salah. Those 3 have been the spine of the team
Thank klopp and fsg for correct transfer decisions , they signed so well . There is always a chance players don't fit in , take time to settle , vvd and Ali unreal signings , not to mention Salah , Jota , Andy rob , Diaz , the list goes on incredible work on that front , and this is coming from a United fan .
I adore him repeatedly wanting to celebrate with the fans. Needed players like him at Arsenal for so long
Imagine if your kids knew what it was like to win more than one league every 30 years 😂. No,no they are 'spoiled' though 😂😂😂😂
It’s nice to have you all in the same room for a change! 👍
What a surprise this was, Gary is just so articulate and just a gentleman every time on the Pod and then there's Micah who is chaotic and just a ray of sunshine while being brilliant! Virgil was just class as usual, loved it!
People might discredit him a lot, but he's definitely the greatest defender in the modern premier league
@@comegetsome8669if by modern you mean last 10 yrs then yeah I think he is the best in the last 10 yrs. Kompany was great but rarely played. So it’s VVD clearly. But talks of him being the best ever in the PL is outrageous for me.
@@mezzala1014not really outrageous really. You might not have him as your no1, which is completely fair enough, there has been a lot of great cbs. But it’s certainly not outrageous to put him up there
Nice cus they don’t slate other players off .. they have respect for all players
outrageous for you,not for everyone else
Man-fanning is real 😂😂😂😂Gary/Micah like schoolkids seeing their idol!! Great episode ❤❤❤
They know the money will pour in haha
It's the angle of their seats...
Or just respectfully listening to a guest on their show, allowing him to answer their questions, rather than butting in and asking another question about the first half of the answer. Just a thought
Isn't it fan-manning...as fan-girling
Micha is in love, the way hes staring at VVD 😍 😍🤣🤣
Titi getting jealous 😂😂
Him mentioning Bobby as one of the best he has played with gave me proper goosebumps. I'm a massive fan of Bobby and truly so he was very pivotal in Liverpool s recent success .
Nobody : Micah : 😁😁
Micha never been so quiet! hahaha defo star struck and playing it cool
Micah’s been working with his all time favourite footballer and you think he’s star struck over a guy with 1 UCL lol
@@sighfly2928 chill out… not the only one that’s said it if you want to comment on all the other posts
@@sighfly2928name a better defender than van dijk
He see Henry on a regular bases, he's not going to be starstruck if he sees him all the time is he. Thought that was quite easy to work out bud.
@@alexharriott1159 doesn’t see VVD on a daily basis though, I’m sure he was starstuck the first time he met Henry as most would be
Easy to forget he was 27 when he joined liverpool and became officially world class. Its never too late
He was already world class. Nobody is paying 75 million for a 27 year old mediocre defender
@@sjaakbral83 I said officially world class. Pepe joined for similar money and he wasn't. There's still uncertainty with any transfer
@@Sh23-hv7sn he wasn't 27 and also not a defender.
He was world class for two seasons at Southampton
@@denzel1989 no ones saying he was t class for Southampton jfc
I know someone else has said this however how QUIET is Micah, can only be Micah's admiration for VVD! His smile is like a star struck teeneager!!!
Nice to hear Bobby Firminho get mentioned as the best player he's played with, he was really loved at Liverpool, Barcelona got the wrong Brazilian.lol
I miss Bobby and his song 😭
Great rolemodel, great leader, consummate professional.
Absolutely class act..he speaks so soothing..I could listen to him for hoursssssss..
Aww, bless Micah's heart, i think he a bit star struck 😂
He betrayed Titi
Great player, the difference between Liverpool and the rest in the premier league is Klopp, but the quality and class of these awesome players in their squad shows fruition. As a Luton fan, I admire and respect these high end players; maybe one day Luton will have players of this quality.
The BIG MAN himself! The best CB in the world.
I'm a Rangers fan and was at that match. Rangers were in a bad place at the time but the big man hardly broke a sweat. Could see right away just how good he was...
Was that no the game where ya beat us on pens?
Naw, 2-0 game griff n commons
@@richardprocter8012 Sorry? No, it was the semi final at Hampden, think it was 2-1. I was in the family stand behind the goal at the Rangers end. Were you there?
Massive respect to a giant of the game. I'm an Arsenal fan, but I am a football fan first and I will always have massive respect for people who represent our game like Virgil does. One of the best players the league and the world will ever see.
The way Micah was looking at Virgil is like Wow, I am sitting close to Vigil.
They were talking about being impressed by the size and presence of him in another program
What a guy. So proud he's captain of my club
VIRG IS THE GOAT
Robbed of the Ballon d'Or by Messi that one year.
Virgin van maguire 😂😂😂
What a great interview, VVD is very humble and calm persona, love his energy. I also enjoyed the humour he had at the end 'Goodbye from me!'. Let's go YNWA!
The best type of player, humble, quick, strong & smart. Role model CB
That was a special treat. Thank you to Virgil for showing pure class throughout his career. Well done Gary and Micah.Not hard to see when Gary said we are massive fans. Loved it.
Funny watching richards😂way he looks at van djik like a little kid seeing his idol
Couldn't be a Virgil interview if he didn't big up Joel Matip
I enjoyed this program so much! Nobody was hysterical, no shouting matches, very calm, nobody interrupted each other. What a refreshing video! I wish there is more programs like this.
He speaks very good English...greetings from Holland (Netherlands)😊
I’ve always thought the Dutch all speak excellent English.
Scandinavian people speak better English than a lot of English people!
@@howwwwwyyyyythe Netherlands are not Scandinavian
obviously
@@howwwwwyyyyyScandinavian?? We aren’t part of it. Haha
Virgil is so focused even in a casual interview on what he wants and where he’s going! What a leader and to hear him talk of his early experiences and wanting to be in the Premier League is inspiring. Love Watching the clips of his influence in his community with Liverpool. Thx for having this conversation 🙌🏻👏🏻♥️
Virgil should be player of the year. People take him for granted because he's set his standards so high.
Foden all day… and stop liking your own comments
@@StephenCarrIsBaldyeah I was skeptical of Foden but his performances this season has eliminated that. Hopefully he develops as a 10 cause he is unreal in that position.
I think player of the year will come from whichever team wins. If Liverpool wins it’s likely VVD will get it.
That ending 🤣
Speaks absolute volumes that when asked about best players he played with, Bobby Firmino is the player he chose to name. What a player, still can't believe that era/team is over I remember just thinking it would last forever! ❤ Great podcast guys well done and good luck for the Euros Virgil. ⚽
Micah looks star struck 🙄
😂😂😂😂
He's thinking how to get that McDonald's money for himself...lol😂😂
@@thefacelessquestion3333 because Micah burst off the scene too soon without enough money
And you know he’s ‘all about the Benjamins , baby’.
I thought he looked in awe of big virg
Micah looks smitten this whole interview. Like a dude who’s on his first date with the girl he always fancied at school.
VVD leader of men, gentleman, devoted father and husband. What a role model for young footballers.
yeah, happy meals for all the kids!
HE'S OUR CENTRE HALF HE'S OUR NUMBER FOUR WATCH HIM DEFEND AND WE WATCH HIM SCORE HE'LL PASS THE BALL CALM AS YOU LIKE HE'S VIRGIL VAN DIJK HE'S VIRGIL VAN DIJK
Virgil is the greatest defender of all time. Liverpool are incredibly lucky to have him at the club. He should be given another improved contract. He will win the league again and the champions league, and he will be remembered as the greatest Liverpool defender of all time. Virgil should finish his career at Anfield.
hahahahaah.... do not overrrate him
@@garciapedro7668 He didn't.
Goto love a bit of Virg class act as allways
Micah is in love with VVD, he was sitting there like a little kid listening
Find someone that looks at you like Micah looks at Virgil ❤❤❤ 😂.
There’s never be gonna be another Virgil no another Allison No another Salah just lucky to witness this era….Thank you all now we getting back to our banter era
Micah looks like he's in love 😆
Excellent interview, class personified from Big Virg as always!
Love this!! Not often a centre back is knocking on my all time favourite players on and off the pitch. Such integrity, humbleness, thought, leadership. An icon in the sport, see how it commands the setting and Micah matches his energy levels and not his own. Influential!
Classy player and guy!
its so nice to see micah being so reserved and normal without the over the top shouting and fake massive laughs, more of this please micah!
My skipper. 😍😍
One of the greatest, what a class player, aerial ability, speed, strength and what sets him apart is his long range passing
Legend. Class act on and off the pitch.
Class interview and great banter between you all
I remember watching van Dijk at Celtic and thinking "this guy is the real deal". It was difficult to know how he would adapt to the very top level, but somehow I knew he could, and would
The GOAT
How lucky we are to have him as our captain, understanding what the club means to our fans
I listen to this as a podcast usually. Honestly one of the best football pods, a little short but otherwise great!
Whilst on other podcasts we get the same Alex Ferguson stories 15 different ways and Marcus Rashford thrown in to most conversations, it's nice to see you guys, giving new information and getting interesting guests on. Yes, the overlap.
Exactly.....Sky narrative
Your a stand up guy Virgil 💯 All the best for you n your family mate 🤜🤛
What a legend!
That was so incredibly classy. Great listen.
Just watched this episode, brilliant well spoken and the respect from your fellow peers speaks volumes when Micah is so quiet in a show! YNWA
Micah Richards is a genuinely *Sweet Spirit,* he's like a child in his admiration of Virg, no airs. Gary's always the epitome of Decency. Virg: Pure Class! Great interview, ❤
What a great human being!!!
One of the greats
Absolutely brilliant interview. Don't get me wrong it's not a cross examination but some great insight from, and appreciation of, a wonderful player. The best defender I've ever seen in the flesh. Hope he never leaves us. UTFR, YNWA
Wow. Seriously, how ace is Virgil Van Dijk. What a quality bloke. This is from an Everton fan btw. Love him.
Of course Matip. I want to be loved like VVD loves Matip
Micah looks like he wishes he could crash that party.
Thank you Virgil for everything. Hears to many more years with LFC. ❤
When you think of the energy Klopp put into his three clubs as manager and father of each town and city . First Mainz were he battled for promotion missing out on the last day twice or 3 times im not sure and then rebuilding Dortmund and fighting Bayern for 7 years and then to Liverpool and doing what he has done its got to catch up with any man . To be humble enough and honest enough to admit he hasnt got that 100pcent energy that the team and fans and club deserve and need to compete that takes a real man to say and nobody wants to see a 99 p cent Klopp just going through the motions at the detriment of the club and his own legacy . He was almost unsackable so its got to be the right choice. YNWA
I wish they asked about the Argentina game. That was one of the greatest games ever besides the final against France.
Thank you Gary Thank you Michael
Wow... Awesome having VVD 1st podcast! Great to see Micah in Awe of Greatness What a Leader Vvd is! Ps well done Lineker Legend
Our captain, leader and legend
Great pod, should definitely have more guest I loved this. Big virg absolutely love him I remember when Liverpool signed him I just knew, we all knew he would be great for us.
If he wants, hes got a great future in management!!
This podcast just keeps growing and growing unbelievable from Gary Alan and micah great to get brilliant insight into footballers especially vvd well done to everyone involved please keep it up👏👏👏
Legend!
Love the podcast 👍
Virgil is one of the big examples of someone who has made his mark on English culture. As a none national that is always going to be even more of a challenge but the small things like the language he uses just shows what a great role model this man is not only to Liverpool fans but I would honestly say to football fans in general
The only way I could love VVD more is if he played for my team. Absolute class. Great interview.
Class on and off the field. He is a generational footballer.
Loved having the big man at Parkhead.class act
The greatest defender I've ever seen (in a liverpool shirt) vvd turned us from a top 4 team to the world's best team.
Good job Virg...stay humble. Great stuff guys 🥰
They are in awe 😍
What a fantastic episode. VVD is just top draw on and off the pitch isn’t he. Got some banter in with Micah at Villa too haha
The best centre back in the history of the Premier League.
😂😂😂 it's only 10am but that'll be the silliest thing I'll read today
He’s very good, but have your first cuppa and calm down.
@@MH-vp7lfFastest and strongest, tells us better?
I was waiting for Micah to propose :) great guest and great pod, thank you lads.
Big Virg what a player and gentleman he is. The best in the world #YNWA
Peter Beardsley last week, Vvd this.... Makes the Gary Nev podcast look like a United love in
Great interview, what a guest,what a player.Love the podcast. Greetings fron athens.keep going.
You can tell this dude understands the important of family love ...he just cant stop talking about them...wife, kids etc. Hes a solid dude. Big ups topman
Awesome of him to do this.
I cannot wait for this man to be a world class pundit aswell ❤❤❤❤
What an interview. I am amazed of how articulate Gary was 😂 and the flow was organic. Surprised that big meeks kept it polite and quite today 😂😂
Rest is football growing bigger!!! As someone who has seen every episode since inception, it feels like I know Alan, Gary and Micah now😅. Bringing VVD in for this interview is awesome. Dude is as calm as he is on the pitch.... Keep going guys, big ups
Micah felt VVD's serious vibe and said "I'ma put clowning to the side for this one" 😂😂