Van Dijk claims he was nervous when De Bruyne scored free-kick in Chelsea game

Virgil van Dijk has admitted he was worried Manchester City would turnaround their clash against Chelsea and deny Liverpool the title after Kevin De Bruyne's goal from a free-kick.

Liverpool and Van Dijk were finally crowned champions on Thursday night after the Blues' 2-1 win over City – giving them the title with an incredible seven games of the season to spare.

But the Dutch defender admitted he had his doubts that it would be wrapped up before they face City next week when De Bruyne bagged a fantastic equaliser from a free-kick – before Willian secured the win with a penalty.

Virgil van Dijk told BT Sport: 'It's unbelievable, what a season. We've been incredible.

'To be part of this group of players and part of this journey is incredible and I am very proud to be able to call myself a Premier League winner.

'Of course I watched the (Chelsea) game. I don't watch too many games but the game felt like it was taking ages and never ended. When the free-kick went in from Kevin (De Bruyne) - what an incredible goal by the way - I was getting nervous, and I haven't been nervous in a while.

'But after that it was just celebration time and we are all proud of each other. I can't really describe the feeling to be honest.'

Liverpool came close to winning the league last season, finishing second behind City by just a single point.

They have rarely looked like they would not win it this campaign – they are 23 points clear of their nearest rivals – and Van Dijk believed his team-mates had stepped it up another notch.

'In the league this year we have taken it to another level,' he added. 'We have been so vaconsistent and played so well.'