Liverpool boss Arne Slot has heaped praise on club captain Virgil van Dijk, describing him as an “exceptional leader” following the announcement of the defender’s new two-year contract on Thursday. The deal ends months of speculation surrounding the 33-year-old’s future and reaffirms his importance to the club on and off the pitch.
Van Dijk’s contract extension comes on the heels of Mohamed Salah’s new deal, as Liverpool look to secure the core of their team ahead of a summer expected to be filled with high-profile changes.
“A Leader Like No Other” – Slot on Van Dijk
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Leicester City, Slot was full of admiration for Van Dijk’s qualities, both in possession and as a leader.
“It’s difficult to describe how important he is. As a defender, everyone knows how good he is, but what impresses me most is how well he plays out from the back,” said Slot.
“The diagonal passes, his through balls, the energy he brings to training and games—it’s something I haven’t worked with before.”
Slot also emphasized Van Dijk’s professionalism and leadership in the dressing room, noting how those traits contribute to the club’s success on and off the pitch.
When asked about Van Dijk’s longevity in football, Slot compared him to Chelsea’s Thiago Silva, who continues to perform at the highest level in his late 30s. Slot stressed that staying fit will be the key to Van Dijk maintaining his elite performance level.
“If he stays fit, there’s no reason to think he’ll regress. The club believes that too,” Slot stated.
Van Dijk himself hinted at a “big summer” for Liverpool, with potential incoming transfers and some possible high-profile exits. One name that continues to dominate headlines is Trent Alexander-Arnold, amid ongoing links to Real Madrid.
Slot addressed those comments in his usual level-headed manner, acknowledging the challenge of balancing continuity with the need for fresh energy.
“It’s already a big summer. We’ve tied down two of our biggest players. That’s huge. I’m happy with the squad, and if we keep these key players, I’d say we’re in a strong position.”
Slot also acknowledged the competitive nature of the Premier League, referencing strong performances from clubs like Newcastle and Aston Villa, and reaffirmed that Liverpool must stay sharp.
“The longer a team stays together, the more successful it becomes. But bringing in fresh energy with new signings is also important—it’s about striking the right balance.”
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