WhoScored stats revealed that Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has continued his defensive dominance under new head coach Arne Slot. The 33-year-old has helped the Reds secure five wins from six games in all competitions with five impressive clean sheets.
Liverpool only lost one game in a surprise loss against Nottingham Forest at Anfield right after the September international break. The Reds lost that game after the international break hampered their rhythm as last season’s complacency issues returned once again.
Liverpool needs to avoid complacency as the tough period of congested fixtures begins with a new Champions League format. Van Dijk has a pivotal role to play as the leader of the team despite the contract situation surrounding him.
The Dutch captain is playing in the last year of his current contract which earns him £220,000 per week. While Liverpool have a policy that stops them from giving lucrative contracts to ageing players, Van Dijk is an anomaly.
The 33-year-old has not shown any sign of regressing despite the criticism he faced after the 2022-23 season at Liverpool. Van Dijk proved his naysayers wrong last season, dominating both on the field and in stats for the Reds.
According to WhoScored (via X), Van Dijk has continued his dominant form this season making more interceptions (13) and winning more aerial duels (21) than any defender in the Premier League. The 33-year-old has played every minute so far under Slot in all competitions, scoring one goal for the Reds.
The contract saga is reaching the new year, allowing the Dutchman to negotiate a deal with any club. Liverpool cannot afford to lose their top assets as free agents despite the age of Van Dijk making things complicated.
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Liverpool needs to find mutual ground with Van Dijk that can keep him at the club without any financial repercussions. The Reds are also racing against time to secure the future of legendary forward Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
