Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is out of contract at the end of the season but you would be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t think he should be tied down to an extension.
“Discussions are ongoing, we will see what happens in the future,” Van Dijk told reporters including from Liverpool.com about his situation after the Chelsea game in October. “My full focus is on Liverpool, wanting to win games that are ahead of me and nothing else.
“What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have started and we will see. When it’s time to make a decision, you guys [the media] will know it as well.”
Speaking on the Rest Is Football podcast this week, West Ham United striker Michail Antonio was asked by Gary Lineker which player he found most difficult to play against. “Virgil,” he replied, without missing a beat. “Just positionally he always knows where to be. He’s quick, he’s fast, he’s strong. 100 per cent.”
“He’s got it all hasn’t he?” Lineker agreed. “He’s got it all as a defender.”
Van Dijk was sent back to Merseyside early during the international break with the Netherlands’ second game a dead rubber. While “medical grounds” were cited as the reason for him taking the Bosnia match off, Arne Slot confirmed that his captain will be fine to take on former club Southampton this weekend. Van Dijk trained as normal on Friday.
Liverpool.com says: Signing Van Dijk up to a new deal is a no brainer. He looks as consistent as ever this season and is showing no signs of a decline. In a Liverpool formation that protects its defense more than under Jurgen Klopp, he should be preserved for longer and be able to play well into his 30s. The message from everyone regarding his contract is clear: make sure it gets done.
