Tottenham star shares Virgil van Dijk admission amid Liverpool exit talk
Virgil van Dijk’s future with Liverpool may be uncertain but he has not let that affect his Premier League performances, remaining on top form.
Van Dijk has made 29 top-flight appearances this term, also contributing a goal and an assist across the campaign.
With his contract at Anfield expiring at the end of the season, no one knows what the future holds but his Premier League opponents will no doubt be hoping he is set for a move away from England.
Van Dijk named as Premier League star
Liverpool look well on their way to picking up the Premier League title this season as they sit 12 points clear at the top of the table.
Although they have had an otherwise successful season, the Reds had a hard week prior to the international break having been knocked out of the Champions League and losing the Carabao Cup final.
After the PSG game, van Dijk spoke openly with frustration about the lack of clarity he has surrounding his contract situation, something Liverpool needs to turn their attention to.
It’s not just the Dutchman that is coming to the end of his deal, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah are also in the same position.
| Player | Appearances 2024/25 |
| Virgil van Dijk | 29 |
| Trent Alexander-Arnold | 28 |
| Mohamed Salah | 29 |
However, it has been argued by some that van Dijk is the most important of the three players and the focus should be put on tying him down.
This may have been backed up after the defender received admiration from a Premier League opponent too.
When asked by Sky Sports Premier League (21 March) who the toughest Premier League centre-back to come up against was, Dominic Solanke admitted: “I’d probably say Virgil, probably the toughest opponent I’ve faced in my career.
“It is the fact that he can do a bit of everything. He’s obviously big and powerful, he reads the game well, quick as well so he’s a complete defender.”
When asked if he is the best centre-back in the world right now, Solanke replied immediately: “Yeah, yeah.”
Liverpool need to resolve van Dijk contract
Liverpool have had plenty to focus their attention on in Arne Slot’s first season as manager at the club but as the end of the campaign edges closer, the Reds cannot afford to neglect this issue any longer.
Van Dijk seems to be quite frustrated with the situation now and while there is probably that feeling on both sides, the defender probably wouldn’t speak about it in that way if he just wanted to cut ties.
There is already pressure on Slot to perform next season with plenty of questions over how much quality his Liverpool side really have and how much of their success is down to Arsenal’s misfortunes.
If the Merseyside outfit want to put these doubts to bed with ease, they will need players like van Dijk who, despite being an ageing player, has shown no signs of slowing up.
What’s more, as captain, him extending his contract could have a knock-on effect and influence his teammates positively too.
Liverpool can’t afford to keep putting this on the back burner though.