Liverpool have had to count on Virgil van Dijk more than ever this season after some injury problems at centre-back.
Down to two options for most of the campaign, Arne Slot has badly needed his captain to stay fit and available.
That he has been able to do so, and mostly retain his form while others have struggled, has once again underlined just how important Van Dijk is to Liverpool.
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Nevertheless, there will come a time in the not-too-distant future when the Reds must make do without the Dutchman.
Although Van Dijk has claimed he plans on staying at Liverpool beyond 2027, the Reds know they will have a decision to make in 18 months’ time. If that call is that the 34-year-old will not continue as a Liverpool player, he has just suggested a new role he could take up instead.
Virgil van Dijk keen on sporting director role
As things stand, it is not hard to see Van Dijk staying on and continuing to captain Liverpool beyond the end of his current contract.
The veteran is still absolutely key to everything the Reds do and remains as fit and available as ever. If that does not change, then why move him on?
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Whether the end is next year or beyond, though, Van Dijk has hinted that he could one day take on the role of sporting director.
Asked in a photoshoot with British Vogue what he would do if he were not a footballer, the centre-back gave an intriguing answer.
“It would be difficult because obviously I’ve been putting all my eggs in that basket since I was very young.,” he said. “But if I have to pick right now I probably would be a sporting director!”
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Van Dijk would be an excellent Richard Hughes successor
Although he earned praise for Liverpool’s most recent summer transfer window, there continue to be question marks over Richard Hughes’ suitability as the Reds’ sporting director.
Given his close relationship with Michael Edwards, there seems little prospect of Hughes being let go any time soon, but that will become a conversation at some stage.
The Scotsman is a good example of a former player who has made the transition to the boardroom, and if Hughes can do it, then Van Dijk certainly can.
Liverpool’s No. 4 is a legend of the club and although it sometimes does not pay to have legends hanging around, it would be amazing to see Van Dijk try his hand at a new role at Anfield.
Hopefully this is some way off happening yet, but the Netherlands captain has dropped the clearest hint yet at what he could do once he eventually retires from playing.
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