Iraola took charge at Liverpool during the summer after Arne Slot was dismissed, inheriting a team expected to respond to a different style under the Spanish coach.
Liverpool have made an inconsistent start to the season, collecting nine points from their opening five Premier League matches.
Van Dijk, however, has been encouraged by what he has seen from Iraola during his first weeks at the club.
“He is a very demanding coach who lets us train a lot. I think that is good,” Van Dijk said on the Beast Mode On podcast.
The Liverpool captain believes Iraola has also shown strong leadership since arriving at Anfield, particularly through his approach to the way the team plays.
“He wants to play good football, show intensity and have fun while doing it,” Van Dijk said.
“He communicates without actually communicating, if you know what I mean. And he works well with his coaching staff.”
Van Dijk added: “I think it will go well for him this season.”
Iraola’s appointment came after a difficult period for Liverpool, with the club hoping that his more intense approach would bring a fresh energy to the team.
The Spanish coach has quickly placed demands on his players in training, something Van Dijk regards positively despite the workload involved.
“He is a very demanding coach who lets us train a lot,” the Netherlands international said.
Van Dijk, 35, has remained a central figure at Liverpool and continues to captain the side as Iraola begins to establish his methods.
The defender’s comments offer an insight into how the new manager’s approach is being received inside the dressing room, with the emphasis on intensity and training standing out during the early weeks of his tenure.
Liverpool have taken nine points from five Premier League games so far, leaving Iraola with plenty of work ahead as he attempts to impose his football on the team.
For Van Dijk, though, the early signs from the training ground have been positive, with the captain confident that the manager can make his ideas work at Liverpool.