Virgil van Dijk Hails Return of ‘Anfield Energy’ After Liverpool Victory

Sign InSportsVirgil van Dijk Hails Return of 'Anfield Energy' After Liverpool VictoryBy Stacy Boit · October 30, 2026 · 2 min readSponsored AdLiverpool captain Virgil van Dijk believes a string of strong recent performances at home has successfully reignited the belief of the Anfield crowd following a disappointing title defence last season.

Successive home victories over Villarreal, Brighton, and Chelsea—whom they edged out on penalties in Wednesday’s League Cup clash—across three separate competitions have injected momentum into Liverpool ahead of Sunday’s crucial Premier League showdown with champions Arsenal at Anfield.

The squad appears to be adapting seamlessly to the tactical vision of new manager Andoni Iraola, who took the helm following the departure of Arne Slot in June.

“It’s a night like this (against Chelsea) and the other night (Villarreal) – I think the fans definitely like what they’re seeing and, of course, you feel that energy and it’s great,” said van Dijk.

“I’ve been feeling that energy for quite a while and when you then miss it a little bit then to get it back is obviously very good. Results help, massively. We understand it as well.”

The 35-year-old Netherlands defender added: “We want to show that for the full 90 minutes, every game, home and away and obviously it’s not the easiest thing to do but we’re trying to and nights like this helps.

“We put a lot of work in behind the scenes. Hopefully the reward will come.”

Iraola rotated his squad significantly against Chelsea, making seven changes and handing starts to four players under the age of 22.

The rotated lineup held the Blues to a 1-1 draw in regulation before triumphing 6-5 in the penalty shootout to secure a League Cup quarter-final tie against Bournemouth.

“I don’t think we gave much away throughout the whole game; a couple of shots from distance, I think. We did well. We brought a lot of energy,” van Dijk added.

“We could have done better maybe a couple of times. But overall, I’m happy with the evening and I’m happy that we went through.”