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Should Virgil van Dijk Receive a Multi-Year Extension…?

Every single Liverpool supporter who has been an avid watcher throughout the glorious era of Jürgen Klopp, will be able to identify the player who they signify as the key piece in achieving both Premier & Champions League glory. Arguments can be made for Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson, Fabinho, Sadio Mané, Mohamed Salah, or even the flamboyant Brazilian, Roberto Firmino. Jordan Henderson as the former skipper of the reds will of course garner consideration for many loyal fans, however, in my opinion the emergence and unmatched brilliance of the current captain of this historic club, Virgil van Dijk, stands above all others as the world-class individual who drove his team to ultimate success.

Is the Captain Likely to Stay…?

Last week we saw rumours of Sadio’s current Saudi Pro League side, Al Nassr, circling on the Dutch skipper, who is about to enter the final twelve months of his club contract. That current deal must not be allowed to run down, neither should he be sold by the Liverpool CEO, Michael Edwards, in this continuing summer of change. There is no other central defensive piece in world football who can match the current performance level of the former Celtic man, despite turning 33 years of age next month. The 6ft 4inch colossus is still revelling in his role and is likely to maintain his elite levels for years to come. There is absolutely no indication that the man wants to live on and will likely be keen to start work with his new head coach and fellow countryman, Arne Slot.

What Length of Extension Should the Captain be Presented With…?

Despite last season being at times an uncomfortable watch with defensive holes being apparent, it was within an uncoordinated system and without an elite level defensive midfielder. Ultimately, any combination of Virgil, Joël Matip, Jarell Quansah, Joe Gomez, or Ibrahima Konaté, would drive the team forward and cut the pitch in half with a desire to condense the play. Invariably, counter attacks would be created by teams ready to pounce from their common low blocks and exploit the vast space created. Though this cavalier defensive shape would often be criticised in mainstream media by eager pundits, much of the red resilience and success was built upon the superb decision-making and defensive attributes of the captain. Based upon current form and the requirement to have commanding leadership in the transitional stage of a new head coach, I believe it is paramount that the 69-cap Netherlands defender be rewarded with a multiyear extension that sees him and his top-level career on Merseyside. To award him an extra three years to his existing contract would safely guard the wonderful player and still allow a potential deal to the Middle East in the future, one which would command a high fee even in years to come.

How Long Will Virgil Likely Maintain his Level of Play…?

Based upon a 48-game season last term and a near bulletproof injury record marred only by an ACL injury, caused by Everton’s Jordan Pickford, there is no doubt that the skipper can maintain his individual level for years to come and allow younger assets to grow alongside him. With a more refined defensive shape, next season should see an altered shape designed to better protect both the rearguard and our world-class goalkeeper. The days of rock ‘n’ roll football are now behind us and though the famed counter press will still be present, I can see the next version of this team as a more controlled and strategic variant. That variant requires an on-pitch leader and world class defender, who is undoubtedly the famous number four of Liverpool.

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