Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk played a pivotal role, starting buildup from the backline as the team defeated Bayer Leverkusen. The Reds beat Leverkusen 4-0 at Anfield after scoring all four goals in the last 30 minutes of the game.
Luis Diaz scored a fantastic hattrick alongside a sensational-headed goal from Cody Gakpo to seal the crucial Champions League victory. Liverpool are now at the top of the Champions League table after winning their first four games in the competition.
With his incredibly varied passing range, Van Dijk has played an important role in the backline to dictate the game. The 33-year-old has delivered consistently despite the contract uncertainty that surrounds his future at the club with no concrete news.
The Dutch captain earns £220,000 gross per week through his current contract which finishes at the end of this season. The Reds have a strong internal policy that stops them from giving lucrative contracts to players near their prime’s end.
However, as one of the greatest defenders in recent football history, he stands above that policy and deserves a new contract. The Dutchman can negotiate a pre-contract agreement with any foreign club from the start of January 2025.
Liverpool fans hope the club sorts the contract situation immediately as the wait increases their impatience. Van Dijk is an essential asset to achieve anything tangible after the strong start to the Arne Slot era.
According to Sofa Score, Van Dijk enjoyed 95% passing accuracy from 74 passes and 79 touches against Leverkusen. The Reds only enjoyed 47% of the total possession against the German side that congested the midfield with bodies.
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Furthermore, the Dutch captain delivered four out of six accurate long balls, catching the Leverkusen off-guard in some moments. The 33-year-old maintained the dominance of his territory at the left side of the defence with three clearances and two blocked shots.
Van Dijk’s playmaking prowess has played a crucial role in Slot’s new tactical style of play that demands more control of the possession. Players like Van Dijk must make the difference in games against a top-quality squad like Leverkusen, coached by someone as talented as Xabi Alonso.
