Liverpool's hopes boosted as Virgil van Dijk discusses new contract with Anfield club

Van Dijk has been a key player at the club ever since he joined from Southampton in January 2018. However, there are doubts surrounding his future as his current contract is due to end at the conclusion of this season.

The Dutchman is one of three key players facing an uncertain future at the club, with the contracts of Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold also expiring at the end of the season.

Van Dijk could, in theory, hold talks with foreign clubs about a summer move in January.

However, the 33-year-old insisted his full focus remains on Liverpool and revealed that discussions ‘with the right people’ have begun over an extension to his current deal.

‘I can say obviously discussions are ongoing, but I don’t know, we will see what happens in the future,’ he said after Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday.

‘My very full focus is on Liverpool, wanting to win games that are ahead of me and nothing else. I feel very good, physically, mentally and I am having fun.

‘What the future brings I have no idea at the moment, but discussions are ongoing with the right people and when it’s time to make a decision or whatever, I think you guys will know it as well.

‘But now full commitment and focus is on Liverpool and to be successful this season. So we will see.’

A hard-fought win over Chelsea at the weekend saw Liverpool return to the Premier League summit and continue their remarkable start under new boss Arne Slot.

The Reds hold the best defensive record in the league so far this season and Van Dijk revealed a subtle shift from their style under Jurgen Klopp has paid dividends.

‘I think at the start of the season, we saw numbers about what happens if your opponent is in the final third, how many bodies do we have behind the ball and I would say that has definitely changed,’ he said.

‘I wouldn’t say it’s [just] the last line and the goalkeepers making a difference, it’s the guys in front of us, it’s a team effort.

‘Me and Ibou [Konate] as the centre-backs, or the goalkeepers, will get the credit for the clean sheets but it’s about everyone in the team and credit to everyone who is doing that.’

Liverpool face a quick turnaround as they return to Champions League action on Wednesday away in Germany against RB Leipzig.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.