Virgil van Dijk has just given FSG a HUGE contract problem

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk intends to remain at Anfield beyond this season, even with his current contract expiring in summer 2025.

The 33-year-old’s future appears to be more certain than Mohamed Salah’s or Trent Alexander-Arnold’s although the official confirmation of a contract renewal is still lacking.

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There have been occasional links with other clubs but at this stage most formerly interested parties are ready to admit defeat as the skipper pledges his future to the club.

Van Dijk offered a contract warning to club owners Fenway Sports Group and sporting director Richard Hughes ahead of the Premier League game against Leicester City on Boxing Day. He declared that he could play at the highest level for another three or four seasons, emphasising that he is still one of the best defenders in the world.

The Dutchman has been irreplaceable at the heart of the Liverpool backline this season; he has been a consistent presence as his partners have rotated due to injuries. Ibrahima Konate is first choice these days but with the Frenchman out duties have been shared between Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah.

However, now Gomez is set for an extended spell on the sidelines with injury and Van Dijk will again have to guide Quansah through matches alongside him.

Van Dijk's REMARKABLE ground duel record

Even with a shakeup in Liverpool’s defensive line - factoring in suspensions to Andy Robertson and another injury to Conor Bradley, Van Dijk has remained imperious.

His form has been a timely reminder to FSG that it will cost a lot of money to replace him and even if they do manage to get a world-class defender to the club there are zero guarantees that anyone would be as good as Van Dijk.

Over the course of the last three Premier League games, Van Dijk has set an extraordinary record and one which should give FSG pause for thought.

The Netherlands’ captain has won ALL of his 14 ground duels across his last three matches - an astonishing achievement.

He won seven out of seven ground duels in the game against Tottenham - although Liverpool will feel that collectively they could have defended the Spurs’ goals better.

Van Dijk then won three of three of his ground duels against Leicester on Boxing Day as the Reds recovered from 1–0 down to ease to victory.

And against West Ham on Sunday, Van Dijk won each of his four ground duels as Mo Salah and Co. ran riot up top to ensure a 5-0 away victory.

Van Dijk’s defending sets the team up perfectly to attack and he has been so good that it is almost taken for granted that Liverpool will be secure at the back.

Let’s hope that FSG have taken notice and prioritise these contract renewals as soon as possible in order to make sure Liverpool remain steady at the back long into the future.

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