Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk is not the type to worry about negative comments.

The Dutch defender joined the club for big money in January and has impressed ever since.

But he is known to have lapses in concentration during games, which some fans and pundits have critiqued.

And he admits that being able to handle criticism and stay focused is a big part of playing for a huge club such as Liverpool.

"No, it does not bother me at all [criticism that he makes mistakes]," he said to De Telegraaf.

"There are times when I am less sharp. I work on that and I get help from coaches and fellow players. It happens to many players, but it's about whether those moments are punished."

And he says that he tries to get a lot of sleep, so he can stay focused and sharp during a busy schedule of games.

"Every three days a match, a day off in the month and continuous training, competition and recovery to get your body fit againfor the next race," he said.

"At the highest level, Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and Nations League with Oranje, plus all the traveling.

"Yes, then there is a lot of pressure on. It is important that you are free in your head and for that I rest a lot, just sleep. You do not see me in the pub after a game or during the week."