Virgil van Dijk explains how he stays calm as you like
Virgil van Dijk has explained his mindset before stepping out onto the pitch that ensures he stays cool, calm and collected for Liverpool.
The centre-half, who arrived to the Reds from Southampton in January 2018, sees no benefit to carrying pre-match nerves, instead opting to look forward to the opportunity to showcase his talents.
It's an approach that has paid dividends collectively and individually, with the 2019 PFA Players' Player of the Year a key component in Liverpool's Champions League triumph.
Speaking to Unisport, the 27-year-old said: "My mentality comes from what I’ve experienced over the years.
“I think I’ve been working hard for every step of the way. I’ve never had an easy route to where I am.
"I always made sure that I had to keep working hard, stay humble. That makes me where I am right now and just keep working hard.
“I think in games you need to turn nervous feelings to more excitement anyway, otherwise you’re going to limit your ability to play.
“You’re going to put it in your head that you don’t want to make mistakes and normally then you’re going to make mistakes.
"So the thing is, when I play games I just want to go out there, show everything that I’ve got and have no regrets after the game.
“Anyone these days can have their opinions, but not a lot matters to me – other than the people around me, my team and family and friends.”