Virgil van Dijk has revealed he’s in “ongoing” discussions concerning a brand new contract with Liverpool however admitted he stays unclear about his future on the membership.
Alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, Van Dijk is certainly one of three senior gamers whose present take care of Liverpool expires in the summertime. That has led to an excessive amount of concern and frustration amongst supporters, particularly given the lack of know-how concerning makes an attempt being made to maintain all or any of them in situ. It’s going to present followers with some reduction, then, that the membership captain has backed up his acknowledged want to increase his keep at Anfield with a optimistic replace in that regard, albeit with a caveat that there stays some uncertainty.
“I can say discussions are ongoing, however I don’t know what occurs sooner or later,” stated Van Dijk. “My very full focus is on Liverpool, desirous to win video games which might be forward of me and nothing else. What the long run will deliver I do not know in the meanwhile. I can solely inform you that discussions are ongoing with the proper folks and when it’s time to decide or no matter, I feel you guys [the media] will comprehend it as properly. However now full dedication and focus is on Liverpool and to achieve success this season. So we’ll see.”
Van Dijk described himself as “feeling superb bodily and mentally” and that has actually been backed up with performances. The Netherlands defender has been in excellent type for Liverpool this season as they’ve established themselves on the prime of the Premier League underneath one other Dutchman in Arne Slot.
The top coach has overseen 10 wins in 11 video games in all competitions, the most recent being the 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday, a sport during which midfielder Curtis Jones delivered an impressive man of the match show not lengthy after turning into a father for the primary time. Van Dijk was stuffed with reward for the academy graduate but additionally warned the 23-year-old to not get carried away given how his progress at Liverpool has been hampered by numerous accidents since making his debut underneath Jürgen Klopp in January 2019.
“I feel it’s been a tremendous couple of weeks for him [Jones] on a private degree,” stated Van Dijk. “After all turning into a dad for the primary time and I’m blissful every little thing went properly there, that’s an important factor. He was [also] man of the match [against Chelsea], scoring the winner which is at all times vital. However other than that he was excellent within the defensive work he did.
“Sadly accidents are a part of the sport and I feel he is aware of when he performs he has to ship. So he simply has to maintain happening the trail. Don’t get dragged an excessive amount of into the positivity and hold going.”
Liverpool are on the early phases of a frightening run of fixtures, nevertheless. On Wednesday they journey to face RB Leipzig within the Champions League earlier than heading to title rivals Arsenal on Sunday. There then follows video games towards the Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, the European champions Actual Madrid and the Premier League champions Manchester Metropolis. “Pay attention, on paper, it seems like it’s a very powerful run of video games and it’s,” admitted Van Dijk.
“Additionally what makes it tough is we journey and it’s about staying match, protecting the rhythm, however I’m wanting ahead to it. That is what you wish to do, you wish to play on the very best degree and carry out and present what we will do. So let’s go for it.”