Liverpool were shocked in the first half against Brighton, conceding early before turning things around in the second half to come back from 1-0 down to finish the match 2-1 winners.

The Dutch captain is demanding the same in their clash with Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen this evening, as Liverpool welcome the German side to Anfield in the UEFA Champions League final round.

Here’s what Virgil must have said it in his chronicle of the official program of the day:

“Another home game and another chance for us to show what we are as a team.

“Before the game against Brighton on Saturday I spoke about how important Anfield would be if we were to get the win, and I have to say I was right. The atmosphere was fantastic and it certainly played a big part in our excellent comeback in the second half.

“We never have easy games against Brighton and clearly we had some difficult moments, especially in the first half. We were sloppy in possession and didn’t press as well as we could. We deserved to be down at half-time, there’s no doubt about that.

“The second half, however, was a different story. We came in with a completely different energy after the break and I think we got what we deserved from the game. It was a big three points for us, especially when you see some of the other results in the Premier League this weekend.

“I also have to give a special mention to Joe Gomez, who came into the game in difficult circumstances following Ibrahima Konate’s injury just before half-time. Fortunately, Ibou looks fine, but Joey really showed his quality in the second half with a brilliant performance.

“As I’ve said many times before, we’re going to need everyone to step up and contribute over the coming weeks and months, and it’s great to see that guys like Joey, as well as others like Wataru, Cody, Kostas, Curtis and Darwin, are ready to take their chances when called upon. It’s a team game, and everyone will have their role to play throughout the season.

“Tonight we face another difficult match and another very strong opponent. It’s hard not to be impressed by what Bayer Leverkusen have achieved over the last 12 months. They have been one of the best and most consistent teams in Europe, achieving incredible things in Germany last season. They have a good manager, very familiar to our supporters of course, and they will arrive at Anfield very motivated, ready to put us to the test.

“We have to start the game better than against Brighton, that’s for sure. We need to build on this second half performance and take all the positives from tonight’s game. If we can do that, we’ll be in good shape.

“We are taking advantage of the many challenges that currently await us. Our results have been very good so far, both domestically and in the Champions League, and that of course gives us a lot of confidence. We know we can compete in any match, against any opponent.

“But we always want more. We know there is a long way to go this season and we are still a work in progress. We must stay humble, continue to fight and demand more of ourselves.

“Keep enjoying it too, I’d say. It’s a privilege to play games like this, and we should never take it for granted.

“I’m looking forward to another special atmosphere at Anfield tonight.”

Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen face off this evening at 8pm GMT, with both teams undefeated in the competition so far.