Liverpool host Bournemouth tonight to kickoff the season, with Van Dijk writing his first edition of captain's notes in the match programme.
“The start of a new season is always exciting, and this year is no different as we begin our journey to try to retain our Premier League title,” writes Van Dijk.
“I can’t wait to see and hear you all this evening as we welcome a very good Bournemouth side to our home. There’s nothing quite like Anfield under the lights, and we are all really looking forward to getting back out there.
“I know that you guys, as ever, will be right behind us, and that noise, colour and support will be extremely important for us over the course of the season, as it was last year.
“In my opinion, there is a lot to be excited for this season. Of course, we were disappointed with the way the FA Community Shield ended for us at Wembley last weekend – it is never nice to miss out on a trophy – but in a general sense I feel like we are in good shape heading into the new campaign.
“For sure, we know there are things that we have to improve if we want to stay at the top. As a team, we can defend better than we have been during the pre-season games. We are humble enough to admit that, and we will all be working extremely hard every day to tighten things up and get better collectively."