Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk has established himself as a world-class centre-back at Anfield after a spell with Celtic and Southampton.
The defender, who has captained both national team and club, turned 33 this year.
With his contract with Liverpool until the end of the season, the departure of one of the Premier League’s best centre-backs is being discussed, whether he will renew his contract or leave on a free transfer. Both the player and the club are believed to be open to a new contract.
The Breder-born defender, who is still a strong defensive leader, has stated that he wants to maintain his current level for the next two years, both at national team and club level. This is seen as a happy statement for both the Dutch national team and Liverpool.
“At both teams I am still Virgil van Dijk, the big leader!”
“And I certainly want to remain that for the next two years. I am human, I have emotions too. You start thinking all kinds of things. Especially just after a game like the elimination (by England) in the very last minute.”
“I also understand that it came across unclear on how I stood in all this, because after the match I was so disappointed and full of emotion. It perhaps came across as if it had been my last international match. I did have doubts that night and I did hint at that.”
“It’s very good that I went on holiday the next day, was able to spend time with my children, my family, which is the most important thing in my life. I was able to share it and then very quickly things calmed down.”
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Two years from now, the World Cup 2026 will be hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Although his athleticism is likely to decline somewhat, he should still be good enough to compete in other areas than physical ability, such as sharp reading and blocking to anticipate opponents‘ moves, in a few years’ time.
Will Virgil van Dijk continue to lead the Dutch national team’s final line, and will he also be responsible for keeping the defence together at Anfield…?