Virgil van Dijk has helped put Liverpool in Premier League title contention this year and the Reds captain has opened up on the routine that helps keep him at his peak
Virgil van Dijk has let fans in on his secret to staying at the top of his game: a strict routine of breathing exercises and meditation.
The 33-year-old has won it all in his time with the Reds, including the Premier League and the Champions League, alongside numerous personal awards. Now in phenomenal form with Arne Slot’s side flying high, he’s aiming to propel Liverpool to more glory this season.
Despite being required to deliver consistently strong performances on the pitch, Van Dijk says he gives equal importance to off-pitch recovery methods. He candidly shared how meditation and relaxation techniques play a critical role in coping with the immense pressures of football, especially during a season that has so far seen Slot’s team battle on four fronts.
“Meditation is definitely something we do now and I try to do breathing exercises now and then in the evenings, and get into a nice, calming state,” Van Dijk said. “I feel like it helps as well, every little bit that makes you recover well or sleep well, or lets you feel relaxed and not stressed, helps.”
Famed for his composure when under pressure, Van Dijk credits a disciplined routine for his success, which includes sauna sessions, ice baths, and swimming. Each activity is carefully curated for optimum recovery after gruelling games, reports Surrey Live.
“After a game I will come home and then do all the stuff that for me is normal,” he added. “Going in the sauna, ice bath, the pool, exercises in order to get your body ready to recover as quickly as possible.
“I try to do all things the same, even when we’re on the road. Normally we don’t sleep in the same place we have travelled to, we travel back home straight away, so you could be getting home at midnight or something or later even.
“I still do all my work then, so for me it doesn’t really change. It also helps when you see the benefits of what you’re doing and then it makes it a lot easier to keep continuing, but I definitely have my routines.”
The centre-back emphasised the importance of consistency in daily habits, particularly given the hectic life of a professional footballer. Van Dijk revealed though Liverpool provides utmost support for fitness regimes, a significant portion of effort comes from a personal schedule and sticking to regular practices so that ensure he can consistently turn in top-class performances on the pitch.
“It’s also important to eat well with nutrition and obviously the club is helping with that too,” said Van Dijk. “I’ve got my own chef so that helps, but the most important thing is sleep.
“It’s not always possible as sometimes after a game you can’t really sleep directly but then you balance it out and do a little nap in the afternoon, so you have to try and play with it.”
The Netherland’s international speaking on being on the road and away from his family was especially pertinent as he recently visited Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey. Van Dijk is working with McDonald’s to raise awareness of fundraising needs for the charity, which offers families a home away from home while their child is in hospital.
“As a parent, it’s your worst nightmare to have a child in hospital,” he said. “The idea of having to be separated from them at such a traumatic time is unthinkable. It was my pleasure to visit families at the Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey with McDonald’s, and hearing about the lifeline the House plays for families every day, keeping them close by whilst children receive urgent treatment in hospital.”
Ronald McDonald House Charities UK depend on donations to provide free ‘home away from home’ accommodation to families with sick children in nearby hospitals. The Alder Hey house is separately fundraising for a full refurbishment of their facilities.
Van Dijk added: “From the caring team of staff to the bedrooms and kitchen facilities, the House really has made a ‘home away from home’ for those living through their worst nightmare. Please donate to this amazing charity via McDonald’s this Christmas, so the Charity can continue its work.”
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