Virgil van Dijk voted Standard Chartered Player of the Month for ...

The captain claims the prize for the first time in the 2023-24 season after brilliant form and helping the Reds to five victories during the period, including success in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.

Van Dijk topped a vote of supporters on Liverpoolfc.com, ahead of teammates Caoimhin Kelleher and Conor Bradley in second and third respectively.

Collecting the accolade at the AXA Training Centre on Friday, the No.4 told Liverpoolfc.com: "I'm proud, of course, but the first feeling I'm getting is that obviously it's a massive credit to all the boys that have stepped up for us to get the results.

"Obviously I played a part in it but with all the injuries and all the problems that we had and difficulties that we had, the guys really stepped up, the young boys stepped up, so big credit to them.

"Very proud [to lead this team]. Winning a trophy anyway is special. Obviously the final was great – the reaction, the resilience we showed. I'm very proud of the boys, the young boys.

"The whole vibe that is at the moment at the AXA [Training Centre] and at Anfield, we just have to keep that going."

Van Dijk started all six of Liverpool's fixtures in February and, in addition to his defensive duties, got on the scoresheet twice in crucial moments.

After wins against Burnley and Brentford, the centre-half netted the equaliser in the come-from-behind victory over Luton Town.

He followed that up with the decisive goal at Wembley deep into extra-time of the Carabao Cup final to secure his first trophy as Reds skipper.

Van Dijk continued: "I'm an important member for the team and for the club, and I want to pay it back in performances and with the way I conduct myself on and off the pitch and be there for the team.

"I really enjoy it and, in my opinion, I've got the best 'job' in the world, and it's obviously a dream for me to play on the highest level and playing for a club like Liverpool."

Reflecting on lifting silverware with the captain's armband on, he finished: "Hopefully there's many more to come. It was special – also in the manner how, the whole day, scoring the winner, doing it together with the gaffer.

"It was a special day to have my family and my kids there. It was a complete perfect day and something I would never ever forget.

"But it's a quick turnaround and the focus is on the next game, and that's what happens at the highest level and something I enjoy as well."

Jessica: He has been our best player, scoring important goals and defending at the highest level.

Firdaus: Strong, solid and reliable. Always comes up with a superb performance when we need him.

Andrew: Great leader, won us the cup, calm as you like.

Sookraj: Played a captain's role in every game, mentoring our young Academy players on the big stage.

Dion: Tower of strength at the back, crucial goals in big matches, true captain's performances.

Barbara: His consistent leadership and inspiration, plus his performance as a defender. He has set the standard for his teammates and they are following his lead.

February: Virgil van Dijk

January: Conor Bradley

December: Wataru Endo

November: Mohamed Salah

October: Mohamed Salah

September: Mohamed Salah

August: Dominik Szoboszlai