With lower than a 12 months left on his contract, Virgil van Dijk has insisted he desires to stay “the large chief” for Liverpool and the Netherlands “for the subsequent two years.”
Final season, Van Dijk confirmed he’s nonetheless one of many easiest defenders in Europe and he has now confirmed his intention to remain on the prime till at the very least the 2026 World Cup.
Chatting with the media whereas on responsibility with the Netherlands, the captain stated: “At each groups, I’m nonetheless Virgil van Dijk, the large 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 have 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 concentrate on the group and the boys a lot. I at all times attempt to speak and am continually busy with everybody. I’ve had that duty for years.
“As captain, it’s the group first after which your self however it shouldn’t be on the expense of your personal efficiency. In my view, I’ve at all times managed that very nicely.”
With the Reds’ defence much less inclined to counter-attacks due to a slight change in system beneath Arne Slot, Van Dijk has helped preserve three consecutive clear sheets for Liverpool.
He continued: “I’m very a lot essential, on and off the pitch. I don’t wish to say that about myself, however I’m. The duty on the membership and on the nationwide group remains to be tremendous large.”
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 very best season I can, once more. I wish to be essential and keep essential for the membership.
“No matter occurs subsequent 12 months, we’ll see. Every part occurs for a cause, 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 cause for me to begin considering for one thing else.
“I’ve an entire season to play for nonetheless and hopefully it will likely 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”.
Requested about his emotions on the brand new period beneath Slot and the probabilities for continued success, Van Dijk stated: “I’m not taking part in soccer to lose or not turn 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 doable 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 considered one of Liverpool’s three gamers with unsure contract conditions to not publicly say he desires to remain on the membership past subsequent summer season.
