Liverpool captain Van Dijk relaxed despite contract running down

Virgil van Dijk insists he is in no rush to decide his future after captaining Liverpool to a straightforward victory over Brentford this afternoon.

The Dutchman is out of contract at the end of this season along with experienced team-mates Mohamed Salah – who netted the Reds’ second in a 2-0 win over the Bees at Anfield – and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

New Liverpool boss Arne Slot said on Friday the trio have to earn new deals and Van Dijk insists he is relaxed about his own situation.

Our captain at home 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/KQ7iKHgIGd

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 25, 2024

The 33-year-old told Sky Sports: “I am very calm. The thing is, I want to play the best season I can. I want to be important and stay important for the club, then we will see. 

“Everything happens for a reason but for now, there have been no changes in my situation. I am very calm about it and there is no reason for me to start thinking for something else. I have a whole season left to play.”

Today’s game was Van Dijk’s 100th for Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League with the former Celtic and Southampton defender losing just two.

It’s a remarkable record and he is keen to extend it further over the course of the next few months.

He added: “I am proud and [Anfield] is home and it is a special place and what I said before, whatever happens in the future, Anfield is a special place in my heart. Let’s see what the season brings.

“I am not playing football to lose or not become successful. It is not guaranteed but I want to win. We know how difficult that is. But playing for Liverpool, one of, if not, the best club in the world, there are expectations. I am really enjoying it so far and there is still so much to improve. Let’s see what the season brings.”

Luis Diaz scored the opener against Brentford with Salah sealing the points with 20 minutes to go as Slot’s Liverpool made it two wins from two.