Virgil van Dijk has hailed Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp for fostering a “togetherness” which led them to victory in Saturday’s Champions League final.

Van Dijk and his team-mates lifted Liverpool’s sixth European Cup on Saturday night, beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid. The victory earned the first trophy of Klopp’s spell in charge, following three-and-a-half years of gradual progress since his appointment.

Van Dijk, who joined last year in a £75million move from Southampton, has proved to be a transformational signings, turning Liverpool’s defence into one of the meanest in English and European football. The Dutchman, however, paid tribute to Klopp on Saturday night, claiming that he has created a work ethic and community spirit that is behind Liverpool’s success.

“It comes from the manager, of course. He says a lot of things to us that touch us really,” Van Dijk revealed. “We want to keep working hard for all of these fans but also for your team-mates next to you, for everyone working in the club, that works for you and want to make every day the best you can get basically.

“The people at Melwood, for example, the people who work at the stadium. Everyone who is connected with Liverpool you want to make them proud and the manager definitely put that in our heads even more.

Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Show all 100 1 /100 Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The story of Liverpool's Champions League victory Getty Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The ultimate prize in European football sits pitchside before kick-off AFP/Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool fans before kick-off EPA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Tottenham supporters makes themselves heard AP Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Steven Gerrard on punditry duty REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Mohamed Salah warms up on the pitch AFP/Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Harry Kane is a surprise inclusion from the start, having not played since the quarter-finals nearly two months ago Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The Spurs players limber up ahead of the game Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty I Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Spurs fans begin to fill their end of the stadium Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool fans in full voice at the other end EPA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The pre-match show lights up the Madrid evening PA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Imagine Dragons take centre stage Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The players emerge for kick-off Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final A minute's applause for the former Arsenal footballer Jose Antonio Reyes, who died on Friday in a road traffic accident AFP/Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Spurs players embrace each other one last time AFP/Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool get the game under way... REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final ... and 26 seconds later, they have a penalty when Moussa Sissoko is adjudged to have handled the ball REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Referee Damir Skomina checks with VAR but the decision stands Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final epa07618794 Sadio Mane of Liverpool celebrates after Liverpool have been awarded a penalty during the UEFA Champions League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool FC at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, 01 June 2019. EPA/Emilio Naranjo Emilio Naranjo EPA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Mohamed Salah steps up for Liverpool Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final MADRID, SPAIN - JUNE 01: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool scores the opening goalduring the UEFA Champions League Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on June 01, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images) Matthias Hangst Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool's Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah looks on during the UEFA Champions League final football match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on June 1, 2019. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP)GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images GABRIEL BOUYS AFP/Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final MADRID, SPAIN - JUNE 01: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool scores the opening goal past Hugo Lloris of Tottenham Hotspur from the penalty spot during the UEFA Champions League Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on June 01, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) David Ramos Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The Egyptian drives the ball down the middle as Hugo Lloris dives to his left Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Salah celebrates opening the scoring with the second fastest goal in Champions League final history EPA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool's Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League final football match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on June 1, 2019. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP)GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images GABRIEL BOUYS AFP/Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Mauricio Pochettino's side have it all to do REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Harry Kane takes a clattering from Joel Matip EPA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Kane is down, but he recovers quickly Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final A pitch invader briefly halts the action Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Virgil van Dijk directs the Liverpool defence PA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Toby Alderweireld battles with Salah as the game ambles towards half-time Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The sun sets on the Wanda Metropolitano Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Half-time: Tottenham 0-1 Liverpool AP Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool fans enjoyed the first half Liverpool FC via Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final A smiling Jurgen Klopp looks on from the touchline Liverpool FC via Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Harry Kane looks a little frustrated after struggling to make an impact PA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Son Heung-min and Trend Alexander-Arnold fight for the ball at the start of the second half REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Mohamed Salah looks to the sky EPA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Roberto Firmino and Jan Vertonghen vie for the ball PA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Kane and Joel Matip tussle REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The match from above Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The Liverpool forwards in discussion, as they struggle to make any headway since the early goal EPA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The Tottenham fans try to lift their team Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty I Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Mo Salah in full flow REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final James Milner replaces Georginio Wijnaldum REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Harry Winks shakes hands with his manager after being replaced by Lucas Moura Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Trent Alexander-Arnold controls with his chest Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Alisson claws the ball away from his area as the Spurs pressure builds EPA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Tottenham fans watch on anxiously as the clock ticks down Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Divock Origi shoots into the far corner REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool Divock Origi scores his sides second goal during the UEFA Champions League Final at the Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday June 1, 2019. See PA story SOCCER Final. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only in permitted publications not devoted to any team, player or match. No commercial use. Stills use only - no video simulation. No commercial association without UEFA permission. please contact PA Images for further information. Joe Giddens PA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final MADRID, SPAIN - JUNE 01: Divock Origi of Liverpool scores his sides second goal during the UEFA Champions League Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on June 01, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) David Ramos Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final And spins away to celebrate Liverpool's second goal Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Origi celebrates in front of elated Liverpool fans AP Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Hugo Lloris reacts after Origi's strike REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Alisson points to the sky REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The Liverpool bunch erupts REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool forward Divock Origi celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's second goal during the Champions League final soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Saturday, June 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Armando Franca) Armando Franca AP Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Soccer Football - Champions League Final - Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain - June 1, 2019 Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk celebrates scoring second goal REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach KAI PFAFFENBACH REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool players mob Origi REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool's Divock Origi celebrates with his fans and teammates after scoring his sides second goal during the Champions League final soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Saturday, June 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) Francisco Seco AP Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Soccer Football - Champions League Final - Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain - June 1, 2019 Liverpool's Divock Origi celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach KAI PFAFFENBACH REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Full-time: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The Tottenham players react at the final whistle REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool celebrate their triumph REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Mauricio Pochettino and Jurgen Klopp shake hands AFP/Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final epa07618973 Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino (R) congratulates Liverpool head coach Juergen Klopp (facing) after the UEFA Champions League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool FC at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, 01 June 2019. Liverpool won 2-0. EPA/Emilio Naranjo Emilio Naranjo EPA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The Liverpool plans react at the end of the game AP Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool's Georginio Wijnaldum celebrates at the final whistle after the UEFA Champions League Final at the Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday June 1, 2019. See PA story SOCCER Final. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only in permitted publications not devoted to any team, player or match. No commercial use. Stills use only - no video simulation. No commercial association without UEFA permission. please contact PA Images for further information. 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“I think everyone has that already in their heads, but it’s something that… a togetherness there at the moment. I’ve never really experienced it like this. It’s very special. We deserve this season to win something and to be winning a Champions League is special.”

Asked what Klopp has said that he and his team-mates have found so affecting, Van Dijk replied: “Loads of stuff. It’s something that just touched us. It’s not like you only play for yourself, you play for everyone who’s been connected, you play for everyone who is always there for you.

“I’ve played for Celtic and for Groningen and Southampton all of those clubs are real family clubs. They’re always going to be there for you no matter what. That was definitely something that I want to have. I want to be playing for fans who are really there for you, that are going to be there.

“If we lost today, they would still be there, pick us up, we go again. That’s something I really care about and I want to care about all of them and fight for them every day and they do the same for us.”

Like many of team-mates, Van Dijk believes this is only the beginning for Liverpool. “It’s not like we’re going away. In July we start again,” he said. “Everyone starts even and we go again. We’re going to try everything we can to be challenging for the title, challenging for the Champions League but also for the cups.