Van Dijk Talks Future, Slot & Saliba: Exclusive with Rio Ferdinand!

Following Ronaldo and Beckham is the Rolls-Royce defender Virgil van Dijk who braves rainy conditions to speak to Rio about his career. After starting in his native Netherlands, Virgil details the lessons he learned following his move to Celtic and discusses the impact of new manager Arne Slot.

Liverpool’s captain also praises Arsenal’s William Saliba and talks about his favourite battles with Premier League strikers whilst dissecting the tactical make-up of both Jurgen Klopp and Slot’s teams.

There’s a debate about how critical pundits can be and details his role in getting the best out of team mates Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah.

Rio Meets Presented by Qatar Airways

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00:00:00 Exclusive Interview with Virgil van Dijk
00:01:28 Importance of Team Support and Wellbeing
00:02:55 Strategies for Adapting to Opposing Pressures
00:04:17 The Art of Preventing Last-Ditch Tackles
00:05:42 Adaptability and Strategy for Fullbacks
00:07:01 Tactical Evolution of Center Backs in Modern Football
00:08:19 Adapting On-field Strategies and Leadership Dynamics
00:09:33 Evolution of the Center Back Position in Modern Football
00:10:55 Effective Defensive Organisation and Communication
00:12:15 Developing Leadership Skills in Sports
00:13:41 Effective Leadership: Leading by Example
00:15:00 Importance of Team Communication and Tactical Clarity
00:16:19 Adapting Partnerships in Football
00:17:37 Defensive Strategies in Modern Football
00:18:58 Defensive Strategies Against Top Strikers
00:20:17 Learning from Saliba: Insights and Inspiration
00:21:36 Comparing Football Eras: A Respectful Perspective
00:23:01 Pressure and Demands on Modern Center Backs
00:24:12 Navigating the World of Football Punditry
00:25:55 Navigating Social Media Challenges for Athletes
00:26:36 Never Give Up: Advice for Young Aspirants
00:28:11 Balancing Football and Family Life
00:29:39 Encouraging Passion in Sports and Music
00:31:08 Impact of Professional Footballers on Young Athletes
00:32:32 Overcoming Doubts to Make the First Team
00:33:59 The Joy of Inspiring Young Football Players
00:35:15 Upcoming Football Discussions and Guests

[JayasheelKondeti]

From a Liverpool fan to Rio, love the selection of questions you'd ask players, always interesting to watch. Personally, I've always admired you as one of the greatest cb's and with Rio Ferdinand presents, its going so good and its always fun to wait for the next interview. Keep going!

[hsingh]

My captain Virgil Van Djik, the guy oozes class. Really good interview.

[lotuseater]

Van Dijk always has a relaxing smooth voice. He needs to throw a song out there; spoken word over some experimental soft jazz.

[philippeh]

Great interview with the two best premier league CB’s I’ve seen in my lifetime.

[ravennoble]

From a Liverpool fan - always admired you on the pitch, good sir. It is really refreshing to see good interview, thank you, and looking forward to more.

[frantisekvtelensky]

From an Arsenal fan, I have nothing but respect for VVD. Especially when he talks about his true friends and family. Great interview, Mr. Ferdinand. Thank you! 😊

[justmythoughts]

Never heard Virgil speak properly but he sounds genuine, real and humble. Rio doing an excellent job as always.

[shantbezdjian]

Damn is it any wonder why this man is as cool as a cucumber on the pitch with all the chaos going on around him? His measured responses show he is calm and thought out, just like when he’s on the pitch.

Beast

[Jaffster]

Great show Rio it’s going well two legends of the game arguably two of the best centre half’s in our generation

[banza]

That man Virgil Van Dijk. The aura this guy has is crazy. Legend 🙏🏾

[roryelliott]

As an Arsenal fan, Both VVD and Rio on and off the pitch pure class!! Great content i look forward to more.

[TheRaptorXX]

Virgil is SO grounded. It's almost disturbing in this day and age... in fact he reminds me very much of Alan Hansen, both in his stature of a defender and also in his reluctance to be a pundit and manager (although, obviously, Jocky WAS a pundit but he was definitely old-school).

[mattinterweb]

VVD is the most complete Centre Back I've ever seen. I've seen all of them from Baresi onwards, and no one has ever had as much in every department as Virg. Yes yes Maldini is the best defender that has ever lived, but IMHO VVD is the best in the most departments. Great interview by the way Rio.

This is the Rio I wanna see. Speaking to players as a player. Lot of insight.

[martinclarke]

Brilliant chat Rio, good on you giving Virgil time to talk. Keep up the good work Bruv. Nothing but love & respect from a Liverpool fan of 45yrs.

[GangeloffMD]

Both are really class. I already liked Rio in the media, sensible opinions, no need to start controversy for controversy’s sake, coming up with more questions when thinking rather than easy answers and yet shares his view.

Now I get to see VVD is like that as well. Very good interview.

[dim_jean]

Rain ASMR. I love it, so relaxing haha. GREAT interview. Thank you for the content!

[DENL]

Virgil is always a bit defensive when talking to Dutch media (maybe rightfully so) and it’s nice to see him speak casually in an interview that he actually enjoys. Questions on point as well, Rio! Good job!

[Quinner]

The sole reason the word “aura” holds so much weight now. Best defender in the last 10 years by far and 100% in the conversation as best premier league defender of all time.

[DIY-wotr]

Rio Ferdinand a great player, but even a greater personality. Always humble.