Van Dijk urges Liverpool to make Anfield advantage count against Villarreal

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says his side must make the most of a run of home fixtures when they face Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Liverpool host Villarreal at 22:00 in the third round of the league phase, having begun their European campaign with victories over Atletico de Madrid and LASK.

The match is the first of four successive games at Anfield for Liverpool following a demanding period of away travel. Brighton will visit in the Premier League, Chelsea will provide the opposition in the Carabao Cup, and Arsenal will then arrive for another league fixture.

“We come into this match after two difficult away wins against LASK and Brentford, and it is important that we do everything we can to maintain that positive momentum this evening,” Van Dijk told Liverpool’s official website.

“After all our travelling last week, our next four matches are at home and we have to use that to our advantage as much as possible. Anfield is always a special place, particularly on Champions League nights like this. The atmosphere will be great and hopefully we can make you all happy and put a smile on your faces.”

Liverpool secured a hard-fought victory at Brentford on Saturday, having been disappointed by their result against Manchester City the previous week.

“It was, as I said, a very difficult and very important win at Brentford, especially after the disappointment we felt in the Manchester City game the week before,” said Van Dijk.

“We know it is an extremely difficult stadium for any team, so to get through a tough first half and come away with three points was very satisfying. We showed strong character and deserved what we got.”

The Netherlands defender acknowledged Liverpool still had room for improvement as they seek greater consistency.

“We are by no means perfect, but we are all working incredibly hard to become a difficult team to beat – a cohesive side that can compete and consistently produce results,” he said.

“That is what is expected of you when you play for Liverpool, and everyone in the dressing room understands that, I can assure you. The quality and ability are certainly there within this group of players. It is now up to us to deliver.”

Van Dijk expects another demanding test against Villarreal after the physical effort required at Brentford.

“It will be another difficult test for us, particularly after the effort we put in at the weekend. From the final whistle at Brentford, our focus has been on this match,” he said.

“Recovery and preparation are fundamental when you play for this club, because the games come quickly. We made a good start to our Champions League campaign with two successive wins and we want to continue that performance tonight. Winning is a habit in football, and it is a habit we all want to develop.”

Liverpool are level at the top of the league phase with nine other teams who have also taken maximum points.

Van Dijk will make his 200th appearance as Liverpool captain, including 150 in the Premier League.

“I am extremely proud to reach 200 games as Liverpool captain, including 150 in the Premier League. I have said many times that being captain of this club is a tremendous honour and something I could never have dreamed of when I began my journey in football,” he said.

“It is a privilege I will never take for granted, and I will wear the armband with pride again this evening.”