Mohamed Salah has been Liverpool’s leading man this season and is arguably playing the best football of his career under Arne Slot.
The Egyptian maestro already has 17 Premier League goals to his name and has spearheaded the Reds to the top of the table.
Salah is in talks with the club to extend his deal, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.
His current form is proof that he is one of the best players in the world, but Gary Neville doesn’t think he’s Liverpool’s most important player.
Virgil van Dijk named Liverpool’s most important player over Mo Salah
While Salah has grabbed all the headlines this season, a handful of other players have really shown their class under Slot.
Ryan Gravenberch has been one of the most consistent midfielders in the Premier League and has made the number six position his own at Anfield, while the likes of Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Curtis Jones have shown signs of improvement under the new manager.
However, Neville feels Virgil van Dijk is Liverpool’s most important player, with the Dutch international returning to his imperious best this season for club and country.
“Liverpool are massive favourites and are in great form, but there’s still a long way to go,” said Neville on Sky Sports.
“Van Dijk – that’s the thing that sticks out to me. If he got injured, it would be a completely different story. He’s such an immense player for them.
“They’ve proven they can live without Alisson who was maybe equally important a couple of years ago. Up front, they’ve got options. Losing Salah would be a big blow but they’ve got Jota, Diaz, Gakpo and Nunez!
What next for Salah and Van Dijk?
Liverpool have offered both Salah and Van Dijk new contracts and the feeling within the club is that they will remain at the club for the near future.
Both players played big roles under Jurgen Klopp and have continued in the same vein under Slot, which is a sign that they will carry on performing well into their 30s.
Salah and Van Dijk joined the club within six months of each other and are among the very best players to have put on the red shirt.
And judging by how this season has started so far, they have the chance to make further history at Anfield come 2025.
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