Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has helped guide Arne Slot to an unbeaten start to his tenure at Anfield.
Van Dijk has confidence in Liverpool this season, with the defender having played a key role in the opening two matches.
He has helped Liverpool to clean sheets against Ipswich Town and Brentford at Portman Road and Anfield respectively.
But Van Dijk could leave for free next summer, with his current deal set to expire at the end of this season.
It should be a major worry for Slot, with fellow star men Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah in the same contract situation.
Virgil van Dijk issues Liverpool contract update
The Reds captain has, however, put fans at ease somewhat with his comments after the victory over Brentford.
Speaking on Sky Sports Premier League (6.43pm, 25 August), Van Dijk said: “I am very calm. I am very calm.
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“The thing is I want to play the best season I can again. I want to be important and stay important for the club this year, whatever happens next year, we will see.
“Everything happens for a reason, that’s how I see it. For now, there have been no changes in my situation, but I am very calm about it.
“And there’s no reason for me to start thinking something else because I have all season to play for still and hopefully it will be a successful one.”
Arne Slot needs Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool for success
Liverpool fans are perhaps divided over who is the most important of the out-of-contract trio to keep on Merseyside.
Extensions for all three players would, of course, be the ideal scenario, but Slot may not be that lucky next summer.
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Alexander-Arnold has proven his worth at both ends of the pitch, while Salah is off to yet another fantastic start with two goals from two matches.
But Van Dijk is equally important, with his leadership at the back undoubtedly making the Reds a better team.
His guidance and determination are key traits that Slot should want to keep at Anfield for as long as possible, but the towering centre-back may have other ideas about his future when the time comes to make a decision.
The 33-year-old joined the Reds from Southampton in January 2018, and has gone on to make 271 appearances so far.
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