Virgil van Dijk has shown exactly why he is so highly regarded as a defender and a leader following his recent comments.

The Dutch international spoke to Eddie Hearn in a recent interview with BBC 5 Live and told him exactly what he thinks the key to success is. In true Liverpool spirit, van Dijk stated it's all about the work you put into your game.

"I think you need a bit of luck in your career, but apart from that, it's all about hard work," the centre-back replied. "Commit yourself to your goals. Do everything that's possible to try and achieve those goals and believe in them as well. I think the most important thing is that you have to believe in yourself because if you don't do that then no one will."

Van Dijk showcased this exact mentality when he helped guide Liverpool to their first ever Premier League title. The Reds finally got their hands on the long-awaited league success after suffering a 30 year drought. Now, Jurgen Klopp's side are hailed as one of the best clubs in the world right now.

Liverpool must shape up

However, despite their recent flurry of silverware – lifting both the Champions League and Premier League trophy within 12 months – Liverpool can't become complacent. The reigning champions have already dropped points this season after a shock loss to Aston Villa threw a spanner into the works.

Klopp may be without Alisson and Sadio Mane, but the world beaters should have enough in their locker to get past a side like Villa. Instead, the Reds conceded a humiliating seven goals and are now behind Merseyside rivals Everton in the table.

With Jordan Henderson absent and James Milner taking on more of a fringe role, van Dijk is the one the team are looking up to. The Dutchman is wearing Liverpool's captain's armband and leading them out as they vie to defend their crown. But they'll be knocked off their perch sooner than they realise unless they return to the form that blew away their opposition last season.

Jurgen Klopp has faith in his abilities and will undoubtedly back him to become the team's permanent captain in the near future. The manager recently sang his praises after van Dijk played every minute of Premier League football for Liverpool.

"He's special," Klopp told the Daily Mail. "His combination of skills is special, his mindset - on top of that - is special."

In other news, Exclusive: Neil Mellor highlights how Jurgen Klopp has changed Liverpool...