With lower than a 12 months left on his contract, Virgil van Dijk has insisted he desires to stay “the massive chief” for Liverpool and the Netherlands “for the subsequent two years.”
Final season, Van Dijk confirmed he’s nonetheless one of many absolute best defenders in Europe and he has now confirmed his intention to remain on the prime till at the least the 2026 World Cup.
Chatting with the media whereas on obligation with the Netherlands, the captain mentioned: “At each groups, I’m nonetheless Virgil van Dijk, the massive chief, and I definitely wish to stay that for the subsequent two years.”
That is important as a result of it successfully confirms he intends to increase his time at Liverpool past subsequent summer season when his contract expires.
Van Dijk was drained after this summer season’s European Championships, the place the Netherlands had been knocked out by England within the semi-finals.
“It was a really lengthy and intense season final 12 months, together with the Euros,” the centre-back added.
“I deal with the workforce and the boys a lot. I at all times attempt to speak and am continuously busy with everybody. I’ve had that accountability for years.
“As captain, it’s the workforce first after which your self however it shouldn’t be on the expense of your individual efficiency. In my view, I’ve at all times managed that very properly.”
With the Reds’ defence much less prone to counter-attacks due to a slight change in system below Arne Slot, Van Dijk has helped preserve three consecutive clear sheets for Liverpool.
He continued: “I’m very a lot necessary, on and off the pitch. I don’t wish to say that about myself, however I’m. The accountability on the membership and on the nationwide workforce remains to be tremendous huge.”
Hungry for fulfillment
Jurgen Klopp was the supervisor to carry the Dutchman to Anfield and although he has now left, Liverpool’s No. 4 stays assured he can push for silverware on Merseyside.
After Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brentford, Van Dijk advised Sky Sports activities: “The factor is I wish to play the most effective season I can, once more. I wish to be necessary and keep necessary for the membership.
“No matter occurs subsequent 12 months, we’ll see. Every little thing occurs for a motive, that’s how I see it.
“And for now there’s been no modifications in my state of affairs, however I’m very calm about it and there’s no motive for me to begin considering for one thing else.
“I’ve a complete season to play for nonetheless and hopefully it is going to be a profitable one.”
On Liverpool and Anfield, he continued: “It’s dwelling. It’s a particular place and no matter occurs sooner or later, Anfield has a particular place in my coronary heart.
“I’m not enjoying soccer to lose or not develop into profitable.
“Clearly it’s by no means assured, like all of us noticed final season. I wish to win, and each competitors we’re competing in, I wish to go so far as attainable and to win it.”
Mo Salah, who can also be within the final 12 months of his contract, has additionally issued the same message, saying on the Premier League‘s YouTube channel that “we simply want to hold on and attempt to win an enormous trophy this season.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold stays the one one among Liverpool’s three gamers with unsure contract conditions to not publicly say he desires to remain on the membership past subsequent summer season.
