MatchRead Virgil van Dijk's first programme notes as Liverpool captain

The centre-back – who was named the Reds’ new skipper following the summer departures of Jordan Henderson and James Milner – is set to do just that on Saturday afternoon, when the Reds host AFC Bournemouth in their first home game of the 2023-24 season.

And, within his first captain’s notes for the official matchday programme, Van Dijk writes: “It doesn’t matter how many matches you have played for this club, how much experience you have or what other great occasions you have experienced in football, the first home game of the season at Anfield is something that doesn’t just excite us as players – it is an event you look forward to all summer long.

“I know it is exactly the same for the fans too and I can’t wait to see all of you, especially with the ongoing work at the stadium making it an even more special place to play football than it was already.

“‘This Is Anfield’ isn’t just a sign in the tunnel on the way out to the pitch – it is a statement of intent and a declaration of what this place means.

“On behalf of all of the players, I would like to thank you in advance for the support you will give us this season. Your backing is something that we always need – the more the better. I know the stadium is not yet at full capacity, but the opportunity to welcome even more supporters creating even more noise is something else that excites us. The potential is clear.

“There have been changes over the summer of course and one of them has been that I have been given the honour of captaining this great club. It is an honour for my family and myself and something that I could not have dreamed of when I was a young boy in Holland.

“My commitment to you is that I will do everything possible, along with everyone at the club, to help deliver success for you all.

“I cannot put into words how special it will be to wear the armband today, but I know it will give me some incredibly strong feelings because I am already starting to feel them. Last weekend was special in itself because Chelsea was my first game as club captain but again, this is Anfield – everything that happens here is amplified.

“The challenge for all of us now is to build on the good work that has been done during pre-season and in our opening game at Chelsea. There are always some rough edges at this time of year and we have to carry on working on them, but there have also been more than enough reasons for encouragement so it is up to us to do whatever it takes to go from strength to strength.

“I know Bournemouth will not make that easy for us today – they are a good side who play really good football – but hopefully we can deliver a performance that will allow you to head home happy.

“Enjoy the game.”

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