Liverpool manager Arne Slot has hailed Virgil van Dijk as an “outstanding leader” while the club captain faces a pivotal decision regarding his future at Anfield.
Liverpool’s 3-1 Boxing Day victory over Leicester City secured their position as Premier League leaders heading into 2025, extending their lead to seven points at the top of the table.
Van Dijk has been instrumental in Slot’s impressive start at Liverpool, starting all 17 league matches this season. Under his leadership, the team has conceded just 17 goals—only Arsenal (16) have allowed fewer in the Premier League. Additionally, Van Dijk boasts the joint-highest number of clean sheets for an outfield player this season, with seven.
The 33-year-old defender is currently in talks to extend his contract, alongside Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold. All three players’ current deals are set to expire at the end of the season, enabling them to negotiate pre-contract agreements with non-Premier League clubs from January 2025. However, any potential moves would only materialize in the summer.
Van Dijk has expressed his desire to remain at Liverpool as he approaches the milestone of 300 appearances since his 2018 transfer from Southampton. Despite his intent to stay, Slot admitted no significant progress has been made in the negotiations as the year concludes.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Slot praised Van Dijk’s immense contributions both on and off the pitch.
“He has been an incredible player for Liverpool for many years. What you see on the field is outstanding, but his impact in training is equally significant,” Slot said.
“He’s the vocal leader of the team, constantly motivating his teammates and leading by example. For me, he’s been outstanding, and we hope he continues to deliver at this level as long as he remains with us.”