Virgil van Dijk looks likely to be the only senior statesman left at Liverpool ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
With Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah confirmed to be leaving, and an exit feeling probable for Alisson Becker, the Dutchman – along with Joe Gomez – truly is the last man standing from the Jurgen Klopp era.
There had initially been hope that Van Dijk may even stay at Liverpool beyond the end of his current deal in 2027. However, his dip below standards this season has thrown that into doubt.
What did you make of Salah’s explosive statement before his last game for the club?
This sounds like it was aimed at Slot…
He alone cannot take the brunt of the blame for that, though. Liverpool’s decision to play him game after game after game has hung the captain out to dry.
As his double at Aston Villa on Friday night showed, Van Dijk is still an absolute key player for Liverpool, and despite his drop-off, he has still been one of their better two or three performers of the season. Nevertheless, at 34, he has now made more appearances in a single campaign than any other in his Liverpool career. Firmly in the autumn of his career, Van Dijk needs to be better looked after.
Van Dijk should not be playing so much
Remarkably, with one game left to play, Van Dijk has not missed a single minute of Premier League action for Liverpool this season.
That is not unusual for the centre-back; it will be the third time he has achieved the feat for the Reds.
The difference, however, is that on those two previous occasions, Van Dijk was still in his 20s. Turning 35 in two months, he should not be expected to go again and again and again.
54 appearances across all competitions will turn to 55 next week, putting him four clear of his previous top total of 51 in 2021/22.
Obviously, the failure to sign Marc Guehi and the serious injury to Giovanni Leoni have meant that Arne Slot has had little choice to keep playing his captain. Had Guehi been signed and Leoni stayed fit, he likely would have been given the rest he needs to prolong his career further.
Despite the mitigating factors, though, Slot did not have to keep flogging Van Dijk. He could have dropped Ryan Gravenberch back into defence or put a little more faith in Gomez’s body. But by playing the captain in FA Cup and Carabao Cup matches, he has likely condemned him to bowing out in 2027.
How concerned are you that we might throw this away?
We need a favour from City against Bournemouth…
Things have to change next year
Clearly, Van Dijk deserves enormous credit for being able to play such a huge amount of football at his veteran age, but he will know that this cannot continue.
With the World Cup coming, and even more football to be played this summer, next year has to look different for the No. 4.
The signing of Jeremy Jacquet should help with that, as will the return to fitness of Leoni. But Liverpool have to trust them.
Van Dijk should be rotated out of the side where possible, even during Premier League matches if necessary. That way, Liverpool can keep him at a peak level, and improve their chances of winning games of football, for as long as they can.
The Reds are a much, much better team when Van Dijk is fresh and performing at his best. The constant churn of games is clearly taking plenty out of him, and if he faces another year like this one, he will surely exit the club in 2027. Look after him better, and not only will fortunes improve, but he could even continue well beyond his current end date.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
