The Reds followed up a hard-earned 2-1 win away at Tottenham Hotspur by getting Christmas Day off, a call-up from Arne Slot as reported by BBC Sports.
For a team used to festive matches, travel and training, the Liverpool captain made it clear how unusual this moment feels.
“We have Christmas Day off, which is very nice of the staff,” Van Dijk said. “It’s a nice change.”
The Dutch centre-back admitted he had never experienced this before during his time at Anfield.
‘I don’t think this has happened in my Premier League career so far’ the 34-year-old added. “I’m going to make the most of being with my family and enjoying everything.”
Van Dijk reflects on Liverpool’s progress after Spurs victory
The timing of the break feels deserved given our recent run, with Liverpool now unbeaten on six points and climbing back into the top five.
Saturday’s win in north London was far from perfect, something former striker John Aldridge made clear when assessing how we finished the game despite Spurs being reduced to nine men.
However, that criticism is unlikely to worry the No. 4 too much as Liverpool continue to get results and improve under the former Feyenoord coach.
Van Dijk also confirmed he spoke to Xavi Simons after the red card, saying: “I don’t think he intended to hurt me, but he clearly hurt me and the referee and VAR made the decision.”
Van Dijk ensures that Liverpool can concentrate on the confrontation with Wolves
With Wolves’ turn at Anfield on December 27, the skipper emphasized that the mentality remains clear.
“The goal is to win every match in front of us,” he said. “All we can do is get better.”
Controversy continued to linger after the match, with Thomas Frank questioning whether Hugo Ekitike should have been penalized in the build-up to our second goal, a decision that ultimately stood.
For Van Dijk, however, balance is the immediate priority.
A rare Christmas at home, a squad slowly stabilizing and a chance for us to reset before we resume at Anfield.
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