'I need to be vocal' - Virgil van Dijk on leadership
Virgil van Dijk believes his leadership qualities will come increasingly to the fore at Liverpool the longer he spends at the club.
The defender has wasted little time in establishing himself as a vocal presence at the back for the Reds since making a January move from Southampton.
And he says organising his teammates has become easier as he has adapted to the physical demands placed upon him by Jürgen Klopp's approach.
Van Dijk told Premier League Productions: "The most important thing is to get to know everyone and get to know how we like to play, and everything around it. And on the pitch, do it and show it.
"The way we plays costs a lot of energy, you need to be 100 per cent fit physically. In the first two-and-a-half weeks, that’s what needed to be much better than it was.
"In the last two weeks it has gone very well – I feel good. It’s getting better every day."
LFC Later: Virgil van Dijk in the studio
The Dutchman also admitted he needed time - and the help of his manager - to get used to the tactical elements of Liverpool's game.
He added: "It’s just [about] games. After the Huddersfield game, when I started playing again, it is just about games.
"We’re analysed; I’m speaking to the manager and everyone who can help me. It is just about playing and talking about it as well.
"I understand a lot more than I did at the beginning."
Van Dijk revealed that he has always aimed to be a leader in the teams he has played in and believes the Reds are well-stocked in that regard.
He explained: "Since I have been playing regularly at the highest level, starting in Holland, I need to be [vocal].
"In the position, as a centre-back, you need to be organising. You need to be busy all the time, because it makes it a lot easier.
"You need to give a good example to the team; be there whenever you need to be and organise. Hendo is a good leader, which is why he is the captain."