Van Dijk Reflects on His 2020 ACL Injury Layoff
Van Dijk Reflects on His 2020 ACL Injury Layoff
Subsequent scans confirmed a complete ACL tear, necessitating immediate surgery.
He slotted seamlessly back into a defence that went on to challenge across all fronts
In October 2020, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk endured one of the darkest moments of his career when a lunging challenge by Jordan Pickford in the Merseyside derby resulted in a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
Ruled out for the remainder of that campaign, the 33-year-old Dutch defender faced not only the physical demands of reconstructive surgery but also a mental battle over his future on the pitch.
The Injury That Shook Anfield
On 17 October 2020, Van Dijk’s world came crashing down: a routine defensive action turned disastrous as Pickford’s challenge left him clutching his right knee in agony.
Subsequent scans confirmed a complete ACL tear, necessitating immediate surgery. The Liverpool medical team estimated a minimum nine-month layoff, and spectators braced themselves to see one of Europe’s finest centre-halves sidelined for almost a year.
As Liverpool’s captain clinches his second Premier League title – one that nobody saw coming – he’s not thinking about retiring. But Virgil Van Dijk is thinking about legacy: https://t.co/Pn62F7wCie pic.twitter.com/ux2mURB6Hc
— British GQ (@BritishGQ) April 30, 2025
Surgery and Solo Rehabilitation
Following the operation in early November, Van Dijk embarked on a gruelling rehabilitation protocol which included physiotherapy, muscle strengthening and gradually reintroducing football-specific movements.
Rather than remain at Melwood for the entire process, he chose to base the initial phase in Dubai, where climate and privacy afforded him a degree of solace.
He later rejoined Liverpool’s training base for final match-readiness before the 2021–22 season.
A Silver Lining in Exile
Despite the physical toll, Van Dijk emphasised the mental fortitude he drew from that period. “Mentally it was the toughest time,” he admitted. “Sleepless nights, endless questions: ‘Will I ever be the same player?’ Yet, being with my family, away from the club environment, was transformative.”
He added, “We shared laughter, meals and long evenings together—moments I would never have experienced otherwise. In hindsight, those seven weeks were a gift.”
Klopp’s Lesson in Confidence
During his downtime, Van Dijk often reflected on the lessons imparted by Jürgen Klopp. “I learned that confidence is like a flower,” he said.
“You can execute nine perfect actions and one mistake, yet people fixate on that error. Klopp instilled in me the need to project certainty even when under scrutiny.” That mantra carried him through his darkest hours.
Return to Glory
Van Dijk made his long-awaited comeback in July 2021, featuring in Liverpool’s pre-season fixtures.
He slotted seamlessly back into a defence that went on to challenge across all fronts, contributing to the club’s eventual Premier League triumph in May 2022.
His return not only reinforced Liverpool’s defensive solidity but also underlined his resilience and leadership.
