Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk recently shared his admiration for former Arsenal star and current pundit Ian Wright, calling him one of the most “respectful” voices in football commentary.
Van Dijk, known for his calm demeanor on the pitch, even said he would approach punditry like Wright if he ever made the move to TV work.
As one of the Premier League’s most highly regarded defenders, Van Dijk knows a thing or two about being in the spotlight. He joined Rio Ferdinand on his podcast and opened up about how he handles the mental side of the game—especially when it comes to the influence of pundits. Rio was curious to know if players, including Van Dijk, ever felt bothered by pundit commentary. He asked, “Do we get on your nerves? Be honest.”
Van Dijk admitted that while it can be challenging to hear, he’s learned to filter out some of the noise. He shared that he respects how Wright approaches his role as a pundit, saying he’d want to be “a bit more respectful, a bit more just showing more love” if he ever took on a similar role.
Ian Wright, who had a remarkable career with Arsenal and retired in 2000, has since become one of the most popular figures in sports media. He’s known for his genuine enthusiasm and warmth, making him a favorite with both fans and players. Van Dijk praised Wright’s way of delivering commentary with a balance of critique and respect.
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Reflecting on his own experiences, Van Dijk admitted that harsh criticism can be harder for younger players to handle. While he understands that pundits sometimes need to be controversial to keep things interesting, he acknowledged, “It’s part of the business, and we all know that.” He’s come to accept that criticism is just a part of the job for both players and pundits.
Van Dijk also hinted at another potential future path: coaching. While still actively playing, he acknowledged that managing could be in the cards, even if it’s not a top priority right now. He joked that he might not be ready for the intense lifestyle that coaching demands just yet, especially considering the sacrifices his family has already made.
With his Liverpool contract set to expire next summer, Van Dijk is approaching the later stages of his playing career. Although he’s still focused on performing at the top level, he hasn’t completely ruled out the idea of becoming a coach or manager in the future.
Reflecting on the demands of a football career, he admitted he’d want to take a break before diving back into the world of football full-time. He explained, “I don’t think I see it happening, but never say never.”
The interview offered a glimpse into Van Dijk’s mindset as he balances the demands of elite football with thoughts about life after the game. Whether he ends up on our screens or sidelines someday, Van Dijk’s measured approach and respect for others, much like Wright’s, suggests he’d bring his trademark level-headedness to whatever he chooses next.
