Liverpool star reacts to shame of English fans

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is happy that his rival fans are booing him – insisting that he takes a single gesture.

The PFA player of the year is a revelation for the Reds since his arrival in January 2018 and played a major role in their Champions League win earlier this month.

His season however ended on a somewhat disappointing note, as the Dutch captain was not able to guide his country towards the glory of the League of Nations.

Ronald Koeman's side lost 1-0 to Portugal in the inaugural final on Sunday as some English fans booed Van Dijk – just as the Dutch won Thursday's semifinal in overtime.

England manager Gareth Southgate jokingly said he would prefer the fans to boo him than his own players, but if the plan was to unbalance the defender, it would not work.

"I do not really care if someone kicks me or the team, we try to win the match," Van Dijk said.

"We know we have a lot of support behind us anyway and at the end of the day, it's us, the players, who have to do the work, and it does not affect me at all."

Van Dijk was largely spared during the loss to Portugal, who scored Goncalo Guedes' goal from a distance – a disappointing end to a memorable season for the Reds defender.

"Obviously, we wanted to win, that's the main thing," he said.

Liverpool fans make fun of British fans for Virgil van Dijk's "pathetic virulence"

"We have to keep our heads up, get all of that, learn from all that experience, because we have a young group, and make sure we qualify for the Euro.

"It's a totally different team we faced (than England).

"I think that they waited for our mistakes, they sat a little back and left us the ball, and I think the pace of the game was not high, especially in the first period, but I do not think they had too good chances and we were a little luckier than us.

Van Dijk was naturally discouraged after the defeat at Porto, but the Dutch captain thinks that the national team is back to the bullish after tough years.

"I think that before this tournament, if someone said we would be in the final, we would beat France, Germany, England, then somebody would say that you are crazy, "he added.

"So we have to be proud of ourselves, we have made great progress as a team on and off the pitch, so we need to continue and make sure we qualify for the Euros."