Virgil van Dijk has reportedly left Arne Slot ‘stunned’ by one trait that he’s exhibited behind the scenes at Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp appointed the Dutch defender as Reds captain after the departure of Jordan Henderson in summer season 2023, and when the 33-year-old’s compatriot took over within the Anfield dugout six months in the past, he noticed no cause to cross on the armband to anybody else.
The centre-back has since rewarded his new boss with a string of excellent performances to this point this season, commanding a defence which – previous to tonight’s conflict in opposition to Newcastle – has conceded solely 9 objectives in 18 Premier League and Champions League video games since August.
Slot ‘stunned’ by Van Dijk behind the scenes
As reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein this afternoon, Van Dijk has been supplied a brand new contract by Liverpool simply seven months out from the expiry of his present phrases, though the proposed deal has fallen wanting his expectations and talks are contuining within the background.
Inside the article revealing these developments, Gregg Evans wrote: “Van Dijk’s recreation has gone up one other stage this season as he continues to steer by instance within the coronary heart of defence.
“One among solely three Liverpool gamers, alongside Salah and Ryan Gravenberch, to have began each Premier League and Champions League recreation, he’s the glue that retains all of it collectively.”
He then shared some behind-the-scenes perception on Van Dijk, outlining: “His positivity across the coaching floor and his management are additionally key attributes. Slot admitted that even he was stunned at how commanding his captain is on a day-to-day foundation and recognises how vital he continues to be.”
Van Dijk stays pivotal to Liverpool
Van Dijk rapidly settled into the function of defensive organiser after becoming a member of Liverpool in 2018, and when Henderson left for Al-Ettifaq final 12 months, the Dutchman appeared the plain candidate to imagine the captaincy.
When the Reds performed a behind-closed-doors pleasant in Germany previous to the 2023/24 season, the ex-Southampton defender may very well be consistently heard barking directions to his teammates all through the match, standing out as a transparent on-field chief for his facet.
It’s now obvious that Slot isn’t alone in recognising his compatriot’s significance to the Premier League leaders – so too are the powerbrokers concerned in providing the 33-year-old an extension to his present contract, albeit one which hasn’t but happy our quantity 4.
Liverpool followers definitely don’t want any convincing about how essential Van Dijk nonetheless is at Anfield, with a powerhouse efficiency within the win over Manchester Metropolis on Sunday displaying that he’s something however on the wane.
Let’s hope that each one events concerned in his contract negotiations can strike an settlement quickly – there’s no approach such an outstanding participant may be allowed to stroll away on a free switch in 2025.
