Liverpool defender Amara Nallo has revealed he draws significant inspiration from club captain Virgil van Dijk, crediting the Dutchman’s composure and authority on the ball as key influences on his own development as a centre-back.
Nallo, who is of Sierra Leonean descent, recently concluded a strong second season with the Reds following his move from West Ham United in 2023.
The teenage centre-half has impressed at youth level with his calm presence and defensive intelligence — attributes he says have been shaped by studying Van Dijk closely.
“A clean sheet for me is like scoring,” Nallo told Liverpoolfc.com.
“It’s a very good achievement. I’ve always been a centre-half, even when I was playing district for my local borough. I just feel like defending is my game. I just like defending.”
Known for his composure under pressure and positional discipline, Nallo describes himself as a player who thrives on the basics of defending, finding satisfaction in protecting his goal rather than contributing at the other end of the pitch.
He added: “I’d say I’m really calm and composed and just aggressive when it comes to defending.”
It is Van Dijk’s presence, though, that continues to have a lasting impact on the young defender’s mindset and technical growth.
“First time seeing him, he is massive! You can feel his presence,” Nallo said. “Obviously watching him play is very good because you take tips from him into your game.
“Seeing him live in the flesh, you can see what you actually need to do. The way when there’s pressure coming towards him, he does some reverse turn and then plays to the other side to get him out of pressure.”
