Liverpool have won each of their last 14 home games in UEFA competition across both the Champions League and Europa League and the Premier League leaders will hope to continue that form heading into the clash.
Isak is still adapting to the squad
Van Dijk first spoke on summer signing Alexander Isak who he says is still adapting to the side after not playing any club football so far this season.
"Very good impression, very eager. Obviously the quality he's been showing already since the first session.
"Only positives and off the pitch as well, we're having conversations - I spoke to him during the international break once everything was sorted.
"It's now about getting him as fit as possible and to understand each one of us as quickly as possible. How we train, how we press, our set pieces so it's been a good week for him and let's see tomorrow."
Will Isak add squad depth?
Questions continued on Isak as the Dutchman was asked about Liverpool’s squad depth and how Isak could potentially add to that.
"It's not really an addition is it? It's a replacement because players with a lot of quality left us so we had to replace these players who were so important for us and who we had a lot of success with.
"But it comes with the price tag and the price tag we have no control over. There will always be talks about that and that creates a sort of pressure but it's down to him and us that we don't speak about it.
"Just work hard, enjoy being the number nine for Liverpool, help the team with goals and assist, link up play and help others and that's the only thing."
Glad Isak and Ekitike are on his side
Van Dijk had a lot of praise for Isak and his strike partner Hugo Ekitike who has been loving life at Liverpool so far. He admits that he is glad that the pair are now on his side rather than facing him in attack.
"He's a clinical finisher. If you look at his finishing skills - heading, left foot, top corners, he's the complete striker at the moment.
"You can say the same for Hugo. They're a little bit different but not so much, they're very comfortable on the ball with link-up play, they have pace and that's what's being asked of for the modern day striker. Both are a handful, and that's obviously good that they're on my side now."
Liverpool and Atletico have an intense history
Finally, he opened up on facing a Diego Simeone team who are known for their relentless defence as the two sides face once again for the first time since The Reds won 2-0 back in 2021 thanks to goals from Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane.
"We lost (in 2020) and it was a painful one at the time to get knocked out. It's a team that works so hard, a world class manager and it says a lot that he's been there for such a long time.
"We have a lot of respect for them, they have world class players, a world class goalie - I can just go on and on.
"They will never give up, that's their mentality. They may not have had the best start that they would have wanted in the league but this is their campaign as well and they'd love to do well.
"We have to be ready and we had a good session today and now it's time to prepare in your own way at home and be ready for tomorrow."