Virgil Van Dijk says he wants to copy Liverpool teammate James Milner and play well into his thirties.
Speaking to Gary Neville for The Overlap, Van Dijk covered a whole range of topics. For his final question, Neville asked who the Liverpool defender would select to take a life-saving penalty for him.
“James Milner,” Virgil answered, pretty much instantly. “Penalties I would [put his life in Milner’s hands]. Milly’s Milly. What he achieved already at this age, I hope that I’ll be able to do all that stuff when I’m his age, but we’ll see.”
Already into his thirties, that isn’t as far away as it might seem for Liverpool’s No.4. Given the way he looks after himself though, it’s hopefully within his reach.
Van Dijk still in his peak for Liverpool
If Van Dijk retains his current level, there’s no reason he can’t stay at Liverpool for many years to come.
Okay, his form has dipped off a little bit. He’s not alone in that this season, though. Far from it, in fact. Besides, the Dutchman showed he’s still capable of being the best defender in the world by keeping Erling Haaland quiet recently.
Haaland promptly followed up his goalless showing at Anfield with a double against Brighton this weekend.
The Norwegian isn’t easy to stop. But Van Dijk and Joe Gomez managed it between them.
As Liverpool hopefully return to some kind of form this season, we’ll see Virgil back to his best, too. It must be remembered that he’s only two years out from one of the worst injuries a footballer can have. He’s bound to struggle at times.
For Milner, he’s been incredibly lucky never to have such an injury. The 36-year-old has been remarkably available for the teams he’s played for.
Of course, that isn’t all down to sheer luck. Milner keeps himself in impeccable shape and is notorious for his teetotal approach .
But the £150k-a-week man has also had the good fortune of never having Jordan Pickford going full-pelt into his knee. Without the injury, there was a consensus that Van Dijk could play for however long he wants. After it, that should still be the case. We need to see his top level on a more regular basis though, starting at Ajax tomorrow night.
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