In this week's Blood Red column, Paul Gorst assesses Virgil van Dijk's new contract and the impact it might have on players who are potentially considering committing to Liverpool themselves

In this week's Blood Red column, Paul Gorst assesses Virgil van Dijk's new contract and the impact it might have on players who are potentially considering committing to Liverpool themselves

The Premier League trophy will be displayed publicly for fans to enjoy

The Premier League trophy will be displayed publicly for fans to enjoy

Arne Slot pays tribute to sporting director Richard Hughes and says Virgil van Dijk's new contract will help with this summer's recruitment at Liverpool

Arne Slot pays tribute to sporting director Richard Hughes and says Virgil van Dijk's new contract will help with this summer's recruitment at Liverpool

Nurturing Talent, Not Just Managing It

When Liverpool legend Sammy Lee speaks, the Anfield faithful tend to listen. His insights, shared on the latest episode of No Tippy Tappy Football, paint a picture of evolution, development and masterful man-management under Arne Slot. As Liverpool chase another Premier League crown, Lee highlighted how two players — Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo — have taken centre stage.

“[Arne Slot] has nurtured them. You see the evolution of the likes of Gravenberch, Gakpo… fantastic to see,” Lee explains. “They may have been better players anyway, the second season in, but they are blossoming and flourishing now. A lot of credit to the recruitment department because, recruitment is huge.”

Slot’s role cannot be understated. In less than a year, he has done more than steady the ship post-Klopp. He’s helped key players move from potential to prominence.

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From Raw Promise to Refined Excellence

Gravenberch, who arrived for £34 million from Bayern Munich, has flourished. While his first season under Jürgen Klopp had moments of flair, it lacked sustained purpose. Slot has changed that. Gravenberch now looks composed, intelligent and assertive — a midfielder who glides rather than grinds.

Sammy Lee sums it up: “Gravenberch has been fantastic. Like a lot [of the Liverpool players], they have had a little bit of a dip of late. Maybe nerves have taken over because they are so close. But he has been fantastic.”

Cody Gakpo, meanwhile, has gone from useful contributor to clutch performer. With goals against Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Bayer Leverkusen, he’s delivering on the biggest nights. He’s equalled his goal tally from last season — but in 10 fewer games.

Smart Business Behind Smart Football

Liverpool’s reported £70 million outlay for the Dutch duo now looks like shrewd business. Compare that with the sums spent elsewhere in the Premier League on less consistent performers — Enzo Fernandez, Antony, Mykhaylo Mudryk — and the difference in value and output becomes clear.

Lee was quick to praise the club’s eye for talent, adding: “A lot of credit to the recruitment department because, recruitment is huge.”

Even Gravenberch’s agent, José Fortes, couldn’t hide his belief in the midfielder’s rise, recently suggesting the Dutchman is “good enough for Real Madrid.” Fortes admits a move is “impossible” now — a testament to his client’s development and contentment at Anfield.

Photo: IMAGO Culture, Continuity and Confidence

Part of Slot’s success stems from shared heritage and familiarity. He knew of Gakpo and Gravenberch from his Eredivisie days. That rapport, coupled with a clear playing philosophy and system that maximises their strengths, is proving transformative.

Slot hasn’t just inherited players — he’s reignited them.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For fans, seeing Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo evolve this way has been deeply satisfying. We always knew the talent was there, but under Arne Slot, they’re beginning to look like players you build a team around — not just squad depth or rotational options.

Gravenberch now looks like a £60m midfielder, not just the lad who couldn’t break into Bayern’s XI. The way he bursts through midfield and holds off challenges brings back flashes of peak Gini Wijnaldum with added elegance.

As for Gakpo, he’s becoming our big-game guy. Those goals against top-tier sides? That’s what Liverpool players are judged on. He might not start every week, but when it counts, he delivers — and that’s what makes him invaluable.

Slot’s fingerprints are all over their growth. Calm, composed, familiar yet fresh. This doesn’t feel like a coincidence. It feels like a plan — a project coming together. And for once, as fans, we don’t have to worry about post-Klopp regression. With Slot in charge and players like Gravenberch and Gakpo flourishing, the next era might be just as exciting.

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Arne Slot speaks out on rumours of a bust-up with Darwin Nunez after the Liverpool striker was left out of the squad for last week's win over West Ham United

Arne Slot speaks out on rumours of a bust-up with Darwin Nunez after the Liverpool striker was left out of the squad for last week's win over West Ham United

Arne Slot has revealed that Trent Alexander-Arnold's future is not yet decided, leaving the door open to the possibility of the right-back remaining at Liverpool beyond the summer.

The 26-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season and, as things currently stand, he is set to walk away for nothing. It’s expected that Alexander-Arnold will agree terms with Real Madrid and become the latest high-profile star to move to the Bernabeu for free.

But nothing is yet in place or has been signed with Real, even if a switch to La Liga feels increasingly likely. Until anything is confirmed, the option of Alexander-Arnold remaining is still on the table and Slot has already hinted that his future isn’t sewn up quite yet.

“The outside world does not know what is going to happen,” the Liverpool head coach said after the March international break, speaking for the first time since the reports on Alexander-Arnold broke. He has failed to be drawn on the subject in the weeks since, despite Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk signing extensions and ending their long-running contract sagas.

Speaking in an interview with Jamie Carragher, Slot was again giving little away, but did inadvertently explain that nothing has yet been agreed between Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool.

“You know my answer. We prefer to talk about announcements, not how things are going in the contract negotiations,” the Dutchman said during the Sky Sports interview. “What I do know is that Trent is back on the pitch, is training with us again, had a good season, so hopefully he can help us towards the end of the season by achieving what we hope to achieve.

“Where his contract ends up is something that is inside here [Liverpool’s training base] but not when you [Carragher] are here, when Richard and me… and also it’s about Trent.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold could return from injury this weekend (Image: Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Slot was asked earlier that day about Alexander-Arnold’s situation, when addressing the media ahead of the Leicester City clash on Sunday. “I think you would be surprised if I answered differently to the rest of the season,” he said. “It is for hours the same answer: we don't talk about these things when they are not done and they are not.”

The former Feyenoord boss did explain Alexander-Arnold could return against Leicester and feature for the first time since sustaining an ankle injury against Paris Saint-Germain on March 11, while he praised the player for not allowing the speculation to impact his performances this season.

“Trent is coming back from injury and trained with us this week, he has shown his commitment and he shows me what a player he is when he is on a pitch and how much he works hard to be back with the team and the fans of LFC, everyone who watches football knows he is an incredible full-back for this club, so let's see what the future brings.”

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Rising Talent Drawing Elite Attention

Liverpool are preparing for a critical summer of squad evolution, and Olympique Lyonnais’ Rayan Cherki is back on the radar. As reported by The Daily Mail Confidential, Liverpool are one of several top clubs keeping close tabs on the 21-year-old attacking midfielder, who could be available for as little as £25 million due to a unique clause with his club.

Writing in the Daily Mail Confidential, journalist Nathan Salt notes: “With a verbal agreement on a release clause for around £25million, all of Europe’s elite, including Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, are now circling a player that they hope has finally flicked a switch on his maturity to make him worth the gamble.”

This renewed interest follows months of whispers. Fabrizio Romano had confirmed Liverpool’s attention last winter, though no move materialised in January. Now, with Lyon battling financial uncertainty and potential relegation, the French club may be forced into a sale.

Photo: IMAGO Performance and Profile That Fits Liverpool

Cherki’s numbers this season make for impressive reading: 12 goals and 18 assists in 39 appearances in all competitions. But it’s not just the output — it’s the profile that matters.

Cherki is technically gifted, tactically flexible, and fits the multi-functional attacking roles that Arne Slot looks to deploy in his front four. Able to play off either flank, as a No.10, or in deeper link-up play, he embodies the kind of fluidity that FSG have traditionally valued.

More importantly, his age (21), contract status (ending 2026), and relatively low release clause make this a textbook Michael Edwards-style deal. There’s little risk and potentially huge reward.

Financial Backdrop Driving Lyon’s Decisions

Lyon’s situation adds urgency. Facing debts totalling €500 million, the French giants are under pressure to offload assets. The clause, reportedly fixed at £19–25 million depending on variables, has made Cherki an attainable target for Europe’s elite — not just a dream for Liverpool.

This is no longer a speculative link. It’s a case of timing, opportunity, and strategy.

Photo: IMAGO Maturity the Last Question Mark

As Salt observes, the issue may not be talent, but temperament. Cherki has been criticised in the past for inconsistency and attitude. But insiders suggest that corner is being turned: “…they hope [he] has finally flicked a switch on his maturity…”

If that holds true, then this is more than just a clever deal — it’s a potentially transformative one.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, the potential move for Rayan Cherki feels both shrewd and exciting. He ticks every box — technically gifted, young, versatile, and available at a fraction of the price usually paid for a player with his output.

With Arne Slot now shaping his squad, signing a player like Cherki could offer something different — a flair player who thrives in tight spaces and could inject unpredictability into the final third. Given our current squad dynamics and the ageing of key attackers, he offers a long-term project with immediate value.

Some fans may rightly question whether he has the mentality to step into Liverpool’s demanding environment. But if Edwards and the recruitment team are satisfied that the switch has indeed been flipped, then it becomes a low-cost, high-ceiling punt — much like the one they made on Mohamed Salah or Diogo Jota.

If Liverpool can beat off competition from Manchester United and Bayern Munich, this could be the summer’s most quietly significant move.

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Real Madrid appears to be a popular destination for Liverpool legends, both past and present, if the current rumor mill is anything to go by.

Former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso and ex-boss Jurgen Klopp have both been touted as potential successors to Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu. Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold's name keeps popping up in connection with a possible summer move to the La Liga team.

The heat is reportedly on Ancelotti, especially after his team followed Liverpool in making an earlier-than-anticipated exit from the Champions League. Speculation is rife about who might take over from the Italian, with several names of interest to Anfield regulars being thrown into the mix.

Most surprisingly, Klopp's name has surfaced, although his agent was quick to quash such rumors. Then there's 2005 European Cup winner Alonso, currently at the helm of Bayer Leverkusen, who has been linked with the Real hot seat ever since he was rumored to be in contention for the job Arne Slot now occupies.

However, another contender has slipped under the radar, perhaps overshadowed by these high-profile figures. Alvaro Arbeloa, who turned out 98 times for Rafael Benitez's Liverpool between 2007 and 2009, has since hung up his boots and taken charge of Real Madrid's Juvenil A team.

His work hasn't gone unnoticed back home, notably clinching a 'young treble' in the 2022/23 season with victories in the youth league, Champions League, and Copa del Rey.

Alvaro Arbeloa could land the top job at Real Madrid (Image: Getty Images)

Forbes suggests that while there may be others in Real's academy who outshine him, the ex-Liverpool full-back could still be considered for a temporary stint with the senior team if Ancelotti departs before the season ends and this summer's Club World Cup.

This would be prior to the appointment of a new permanent manager, and who knows, it could provide the Spaniard with a golden opportunity to break into senior management.

Alonso was asked about taking the Real job on Friday. He said: "It's not a good time to discuss the future. We're at a very important moment in the season. I don't want to talk about speculation and rumors. (I understand) that this is happening, but what's more important to me is what's happening right now."

Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen team is second in the Bundesliga, six points behind leader Bayern Munich with five games left.

Another reason why Liverpool are keeping a close eye on this situation is due to the uncertainty surrounding Alexander-Arnold's future. His contract at Anfield is set to expire on June 30, and he has been consistently linked with a move to the Bernabeu as a free agent this summer.

Liverpool can take pride in securing Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk on new two-year contracts over the past week, but the future of their homegrown hero and vice-captain remains up in the air. Whether Real's upheaval will influence the timeline of Alexander-Arnold's decision remains to be seen.

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Commanding Through Calm

The Athletic’s brilliant breakdown of Virgil van Dijk’s defending goes far beyond the traditional metrics. While the Liverpool captain’s raw tackle numbers may no longer evoke the invincibility of his 2018-19 peak, when he was famously not dribbled past once in 38 games, his brilliance now lies in what doesn’t happen. Opponents simply don’t take him on.

Van Dijk, now approaching 34, is no longer at the statistical apex of his powers, but that misses the point. As The Athletic noted: “Van Dijk’s positional sense is excellent and when opponents receive the ball with their back to goal, he gets tight and prevents them turning. He’s almost never beaten in that situation, when a player tries to spin him — but he also doesn’t get too tight too early.” That balance between aggression and composure is where he continues to set himself apart.

Quiet Dominance in Duels

It’s not that Van Dijk can’t tackle — it’s that he doesn’t often need to. One of the most compelling images from The Athletic’s piece is his duel with Erling Haaland: the Norwegian backed into a rare one-on-one but opted for a pressured shot rather than risk taking on the Dutchman. It’s telling. Few defenders can convince elite forwards that retreat or compromise is their best option.

Photo: IMAGO

In another scenario, Bukayo Saka “technically” dribbled past Van Dijk, but under pressure, the England winger could only slice a cross wide. As The Athletic explains, these moments are full of nuance. Statistically, it might look like a failed tackle — but in footballing terms, it’s a defensive win.

More Than Numbers

This analysis also reminds us of Van Dijk’s often overlooked recovery pace. The clip of him recovering against Bryan Mbeumo, or against Philippe Coutinho years earlier, speaks volumes. Defenders rarely get second chances. Van Dijk makes them look routine.

Even when he’s physically imposing, he plays with restraint. Consider his duel with Patson Daka, nudging the striker aside in an area “where the referee can’t quite see.” As The Athletic puts it: “Van Dijk knows how much he can get away with, and his reputation as a calm, clean defender helps on the rare occasions he’s a little underhand.”

Reputation That Shapes the Game

Opposition game plans subtly tilt away from Van Dijk. Heat maps show strikers consistently choosing to operate on the opposite side. This isn’t coincidence — it’s fear. Fulham’s plan to isolate Ibrahima Konaté and avoid Van Dijk was replicated by others. Watkins, Jackson, Wilson — the patterns are there.

Photo: IMAGO

And yet Van Dijk remains effective even in situations where he seems passive. The Haaland moment encapsulates it best — defending without making a move, yet shaping the entire action. When attackers do try something special, it’s often out of desperation. It doesn’t come off.

Mastering the Mental Battle

Van Dijk himself articulates his method clearly: “You should never be like this (square on)… you go into this position (side on), and pick a side where you want the striker to go, so you put a trap.” He reads body language, studies eyes, and waits for help from teammates. That patience is a rare weapon in today’s high-octane defensive landscape.

In many ways, this report reaffirms what Liverpool fans and opponents already know: Van Dijk is still the benchmark. His game has evolved — from record-breaking resistance to calculated aura. That aura alone remains enough to dissuade most attackers from daring to engage.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans have watched Virgil van Dijk with awe for nearly a decade, but this recent deep-dive into his defending reaffirms just how lucky we’ve been to witness it first-hand. While the eye test still tells us he’s world-class, the data adds weight to the feeling that Van Dijk continues to dominate in subtle, often underappreciated ways.

As supporters, we’ve heard pundits question whether he’d ever regain his form post-injury. This shows he has — just not in the same explosive way as before. His intelligence, aura, and ability to shape a striker’s decisions without touching the ball speaks volumes. It’s defensive football at its most cerebral.

Under Arne Slot, Van Dijk’s role may evolve further, especially as the tactical shape changes. But if opponents are still building game plans around avoiding him, that says it all. Konaté might grow, Quansah might develop, but Van Dijk remains the sun around which Liverpool’s backline orbits.

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Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen is expected to remain in the Premier League next season.

The Spanish international, who continues to be linked with Liverpool, is set to draw a lot of attention this summer due to his notable £50 million ($66.3 million) release clause. Arne Slot, meanwhile, has made a "difficult" Virgil van Dijk admission after the Liverpool captain signed a new two-year deal at Anfield.

The Cherries snapped up Huijsen from Juventus last summer for £15.3 million ($20.3 million), with plans to groom him for future success. However, injuries to other players disrupted these plans, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the 20-year-old as he has since made 30 appearances.

His progress has not only caught the attention of Spain's national team but also potential transfer suitors. Liverpool is believed to be among them, particularly now that a buyout clause has been confirmed.

Spanish outlet Relevo reports that a move within England is almost certain, with Real Madrid unsure about signing a central defender this year and questioning the hefty fee involved. This leaves Huijsen with Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Liverpool to choose from, and crucially, he will make this decision next month, coinciding with the end of the 2024/25 Premier League season.

In the meantime, the Spaniard is focused on helping Andoni Iraola's side qualify for European competition. Only after this will he make any decisions about his future.

Huijsen is enjoying a breakthrough season at Bournemouth (Image: Getty Images)

The Spanish press dropping Madrid from the list of potential suitors seemingly simplifies Liverpool's job in convincing Huijsen to come on board. This is largely because he has only ever mentioned a desire to transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Reflecting on the recent buzz around his future, he said last week: "It's a big team. Every player wants to play in the maximum [level] possible. A friend called me and said, 'Go to Real Madrid.' I laughed. What am I going to say?"

Iraola was also recently asked about the transfer rumors. He said: “My only concern with Dean is he keeps his focus here. I see he trains very well. He’s very focused on improving individually, improving us as a team collectively. He knows we have seven very important games ahead of us and I see him in a really good place. No, I don’t think the noise around is affecting him and I see him in a good place.”

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“We’re Working So Hard” – Slot on Liverpool’s Set-Piece Transformation Plan Virgil van Dijk Extension Reinforces Liverpool’s Leadership In a compelling sit-down interview with Jamie Carragher for Sky Sports Premier League, Arne Slot, Liverpool’s current head coach, hailed Virgil van Dijk’s contract extension as “huge news for the club, for the fans, for our players […]

The post Slot on Van Dijk’s Key Role: “He Is One of the Few Leaders in the World of Football” appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Anfield hero Xabi Alonso finds himself linked with the Real Madrid manager's job, just as he was with Liverpool's this time last year

Anfield hero Xabi Alonso finds himself linked with the Real Madrid manager's job, just as he was with Liverpool's this time last year

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The post How do Liverpool replace Alexander-Arnold? appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Liverpool have announced that U18s manager Marc Bridge-Wilkinson will leave the club at the end of the season.

Liverpool have announced that U18s manager Marc Bridge-Wilkinson will leave the club at the end of the season.