Arne Slot has been highly impressed by Virgil van Dijk during his early weeks as Liverpool manager, according to ESPN analyst Anco Jansen, who revealed this on Wednesday evening during the program Voetbalpraat.
What Virgil van Dijk Brings to Liverpool
Since joining Liverpool in 2018, Virgil van Dijk has been a dominant force in defense, making over 273 appearances for the Reds. During his time at the club, he has won a variety of major trophies, most notably the Premier League and the Champions League. Earning £220,000 per week, Van Dijk’s consistent performances on the pitch fully justify his salary, as he continues to be a key player in Liverpool’s success week in and week out.
“I spoke to Slot extensively last week, because we had paddled and he had a few days off. Then he said about Van Dijk, that he really is an incredibly good footballer. He thought he was really good at positional games during training. He is now seeing him up close and said, this boy is not normal when it comes to football.”
Anco Jansen – an analyst for ESPN
The Dutchman is working wonders under Klopp’s successor, Arne Slot, as Liverpool are yet to concede a single goal this season. Van Dijk’s footballing qualities have become even more evident in Slot’s system, with the Dutch national team captain increasingly playing balls between the lines, a tactic that complements his game perfectly. According to Jansen, this adjustment has further enhanced Van Dijk’s effectiveness on the pitch, solidifying his role as a vital component in Liverpool’s defence and build-up play.
What the future holds for Virgil Van Dijk
A major talking point at Anfield right now is the future of key players Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk, all of whom have contracts expiring at the end of the season. While the fate of Salah and Alexander-Arnold remains uncertain, Van Dijk has expressed his desire to stay at Liverpool beyond the summer of 2025, signalling his commitment to the club.
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The future remains uncertain for Liverpool’s centre-back, Virgil van Dijk, but he has expressed his desire to stay and contribute to the team’s success. His main focus is helping Liverpool reclaim the Premier League title, while also aiming for strong results in the Champions League.
