Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk reveals the two words that got him sent off

Virgil van Dijk has been a monumental player for many years now and is captaining Liverpool and the Netherlands through a busy season.

His calmness on the ball and elegant defending is what has led to many people seeing him as one of the world's best defenders.

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However, in a frantic match against Hungary last night during the international break, the Dutchman was sent off for two yellow card incidents.

Speaking to the press after the game, via Voetbalzone, he revealed the main reason behind the decision was the two words he said to the referee after Donyell Malen was brought down in a promising attack.

He said: "I said here first: 'Last man', when Malen broke through. I thought it was red, I don't think he [the Hungarian defender] had any intention of playing the ball.

"I don't understand that card for me personally. Especially because you are often reminded that we are the ones who are allowed to communicate as captains.

"Of course, I don't just go to a referee when we are behind to have my say. I just did it in a respectful way. And in the end, he gives it to me."

The incident proved to be pivotal, as Van Dijk received his second yellow card just three minutes later after bringing down Kevin Csoboth who was on a promising attack for Hungary.

He added: "I do feel like I am touching the ball, but it is a reason [for the referee] to give me a yellow card. Of course, I have to be more clever about that."

Csoboth later spoke about how he intended to make sure Van Dijk was sent off. Speaking to Nemzetissport, he said: "I pushed him at a good pace and then one more time Van Dijk was late, he missed the pace, and from then on it was clear that I was going to throw myself a little."

Lessons learnt for Van Dijk

Understandably, Van Dijk feels he could've managed the game better and it is not unusual for forwards to think similarly to Csoboth, who successfully got the Dutchman off the field.

As a result of the red card, he will miss the Germany match this week and has subsequently had his request to return to Liverpool confirmed.

Ahead of a crunch period of matches for Liverpool, the Reds will need their talisman in peak fitness to successfully navigate the constant barrage of challenges heading their way.

Liverpool have started the season particularly well in all competitions, winning nine out of ten matches whilst only conceding four goals, and they must keep their foot on the gas as the challenges get that bit harder over the next few weeks.