Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk is widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs of this generation.
Arne Slot has become the latest man to have joined the Dutchman’s fan club. The Reds manager watches him in training every day, and he is awestruck by what the 33-year-old centre-back brings to the training ground.
Recently, Slot met his friend, Anco Jansen, during the international break, and he spoke about Van Dijk.
Jansen revealed to the Sunday Mirror that Slot has been left highly impressed by Van Dijk in training sessions. He thinks the Dutch defender is an “unbelievable” player and “top-class” in his own right.
“Last week I spoke to Slot really extensively. He had a few days off and was over [in Holland],” said Jansen (page 79).
“We went to play padel – but we also spoke about Van Dijk. Arne told me Virgil is a really top-class player.
“Slot’s been watching Virgil every day at Liverpool and he said to me, ‘This boy is not of normal standards on the ball. He is unbelievable.’
“Slot started to see what Virgil is capable of in the positional play in small spaces. In every training session he is incredibly good. That’s what he told me.”
Should Liverpool offer Virgil van Dijk a new contract?
Liverpool usually are hesitant to offer aged players a lucrative contract, and they are likely to adopt a similar policy with Van Dijk as well.
But Van Dijk is not an ordinary defender. At 33, he is still playing at a top level, and he can continue this form for another two years.
He has a contract at Anfield until the end of the season, and Liverpool probably would offer him either a rolling contract. He may have to reduce his salary, and a compromise can be made if he wants to continue at this iconic club.
Van Dijk has started the season strongly. Liverpool have looked more compact under Slot, and have conceded just one goal in their five Premier League games so far, winning four of them.
The Dutchman has played a pivotal role at the back, proving to be a fantastic leader both on and off the pitch.
Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also in the final years of their current deals at Anfield, and hopefully, the club will sort it out at some point this season.
In other Liverpool news, check the Reds player ratings v AFC Bournemouth.
