Slot’s Strategic Patience Puts Liverpool on Brink of Glory and Renewal Slot’s Structure Begins to Show Its Value Liverpool’s title challenge in 2024/25 is being led not by dominance, but by discipline. The urgency and adrenaline of Klopp’s reign has been replaced by something subtler under Arne Slot—measured construction. Yet, here they are, top of […]

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Slot’s Structure Begins to Show Its Value

Liverpool’s title challenge in 2024/25 is being led not by dominance, but by discipline. The urgency and adrenaline of Klopp’s reign has been replaced by something subtler under Arne Slot—measured construction. Yet, here they are, top of the Premier League and two wins from a second league title in 35 years.

As Paul Joyce for The Times reports, this isn’t the form of a side at its peak, but one transitioning, evolving. “It is already a big summer,” Slot said, in reference to those statement deals. “There is a study being done that the longer a team plays together the more success it has.” It’s a telling quote from a manager who, since arriving from Feyenoord, has prioritised cohesion over chaos.

Liverpool’s powerbrokers—Richard Hughes, Michael Edwards, Will Spearman, Barry Hunter—have adopted a cautious, calculated approach in reshaping the club. Slot was encouraged to work with Klopp’s squad in his first season, and aside from low-risk moves for Giorgi Mamardashvili and Federico Chiesa, Liverpool resisted temptation in the transfer window.

Big Names, Bigger Decisions

This summer, however, will be different. Not because of desperation, but preparation. Having spent the year meticulously assessing the squad, Liverpool now have clarity and resources. The front line has faltered—Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota have 11 league goals between them. Interest in Alexander Isak is real, though £150m would be a stretch. As The Times notes, “There is little to suggest Liverpool would go to that level for one player.”

Photo: IMAGO

It’s not sentiment holding them back. In 2023, they turned down Jude Bellingham’s £115m price tag to rebuild the midfield with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch—for a combined £130m. Logic over luxury remains the mantra.

Defensively, questions linger. Left-back competition for Andrew Robertson is on the radar—Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, valued at £45m, is one to watch. On the right, uncertainty surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold and interest in Jeremie Frimpong could dictate direction. Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konaté’s contract situation and Jarell Quansah’s emergence will factor into whether a centre-back arrives.

Evolution with Purpose, Not Panic

Change is coming, but it’s not rooted in fear. “The core of the team, you want to keep together as long as you can,” Slot reflected. “But it is also… good to have some new energy in and around the place.” With Mamardashvili expected to arrive, questions will also arise about Alisson and Caoimhin Kelleher.

Luis Díaz’s contract, Harvey Elliott’s pathway, and Kostas Tsimikas’s future are all up for discussion. Yet this is not upheaval. It’s refinement. Liverpool’s greatest spending sprees—Collymore, Ince, Torres—were attempts to find a golden piece. Slot’s Liverpool appears more interested in sculpting the frame first.

Photo: IMAGO Title Race Nears Crescendo

Should Arsenal slip away at Ipswich and Liverpool win at Leicester, the title could be decided. What’s clear is this: Liverpool have put themselves in a position of strength—on and off the pitch.

And if they go into the summer as champions, they will not just be buying for need, but for legacy.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, this feels different—but in the best way possible. Under Klopp, the football was electric, the atmosphere raw. Slot’s approach is quieter, yet somehow just as effective. His willingness to work with the existing group, while resisting the pressure to splurge early, has brought stability and trust back into the structure.

Fans know the squad has flaws. Darwin hasn’t hit the heights we hoped, and Díaz’s consistency still wavers. But the midfield rebuild has been an outright success, with Mac Allister and Szoboszlai settling brilliantly. We’ve not just stayed competitive—we’ve improved in areas we long neglected.

If names like Isak or Frimpong arrive, it’ll be with purpose, not panic. There’s confidence now that the club’s leadership know how to build winning teams, not just exciting ones. Should the title return to Anfield, it will be a triumph not only of performance but of patience.

Arne Slot hasn’t just maintained Liverpool’s momentum—he’s recalibrated it for the long haul.

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Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen is set to decide his future amid reported £50m interest from Liverpool and their Premier League rivals.

Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen is set to decide his future amid reported £50m interest from Liverpool and their Premier League rivals.

Report: Liverpool Join Arsenal and Chelsea in Chase for La Liga Teen Talent Premier League giants scout Real Betis teenager The transfer market has always been about who moves quickest, not just who has the biggest wallet. According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are one of three Premier League clubs keeping close tabs on Real Betis […]

The post Liverpool monitoring young attacker also wanted by Arsenal and Chelsea appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Premier League giants scout Real Betis teenager

The transfer market has always been about who moves quickest, not just who has the biggest wallet. According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are one of three Premier League clubs keeping close tabs on Real Betis forward Jesús Rodríguez — a 19-year-old tipped for a big future in European football.

“Arsenal are one of the clubs leading the race,” the report notes, but Liverpool and Chelsea have both sent scouts to monitor the Spanish U21 international in recent weeks. For a club like Liverpool, traditionally cautious when it comes to unproven youth from abroad, the interest in Rodriguez marks a shift, possibly one driven by necessity more than ambition.

Photo IMAGO Depth concerns emerge under Slot

Arne Slot is stepping into a pressure-cooker environment. The Dutchman inherits a squad that, while talented, has growing question marks in attack. Diogo Jota’s recurring injuries and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Luis Diaz leave holes that need filling. “Liverpool… might also benefit from adding more depth to their front three,” the article rightly observes.

Photo IMAGO

While Mohamed Salah has signed a new deal, there’s a realisation that succession planning needs to begin in earnest. Rodriguez, while not a ready-made solution, could be part of that conversation.

Betis braced for pressure

Betis are holding firm, at least for now. “Big offers could force their hand, but there have not yet been any talks or offers made for the player,” say Caught Offside. But that kind of phrasing usually comes before the floodgates open.

With Chelsea’s aggressive youth recruitment model and Arsenal’s eyes on long-term squad balance, Liverpool will have to weigh up whether Rodriguez is worth the early investment.

Risk or reward?

Rodriguez is raw. That’s clear. But for a club built on development and a system-based approach, this could be an opportunity to act before the price skyrockets. Whether Liverpool make that leap could come down to how much faith Slot places in potential over proven pedigree.

Photo IMAGO Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Let’s not get carried away. We’ve seen this before — the endless parade of “wonderkids” linked to Anfield every window. Jesús Rodriguez might have flair, but are we really in a place to take another punt on promise?

Arne Slot’s first job should be to stabilise, not gamble. We’ve already got Harvey Elliott, Ben Doak, and a conveyor belt of potential. Do we really need another teenager who’s played a handful of senior games in Spain and has yet to face the relentless grind of English football?

And look at the competition. Arsenal are flying, Chelsea hoard young talent like it’s going out of fashion — are we going to win this one? And more importantly, should we even be trying?

What Liverpool need is proven depth. Jota’s injuries and Diaz’s uncertainty demand experience, not another developmental project. If Rodriguez comes in, great — but only if it’s part of a balanced summer that addresses now as much as the future.

Because this club shouldn’t be a proving ground. It should be a destination. And at this point, signing a teenager from Betis feels like a risk we can’t afford if we want to challenge seriously next season.

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After dropping two of his usual starters against West Ham, Arne Slot must decide whether they merit a place in the Liverpool side against Leicester.

Liverpool are top of the form table, top of the league and us fans could be on top of the world come Sunday evening.

While it is unlikely that Arsenal will lose to Ipswich, a defeat at Portman Road would leave the Reds with a chance to claim the title this weekend.

Slot has insisted he isn’t thinking about the permutations, though, and is instead solely focusing on the job at hand, taking another three points.

Here’s how Liverpool could line up.

Team news

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Here’s what Slot revealed in his press conference:

• Alexander-Arnold “might” make the bench but will “definitely not start”
• Playing 90 minutes “isn’t easy” for Conor Bradley, as he continues to build his fitness after injury
• Therefore, expect to see the right-back replaced in the second half again

Liverpool’s XI vs. Leicester

Having dropped Andy Robertson and Dominik Szoboszlai due to their poor showings at Fulham, Slot has a tricky decision to make on whether to bring them back after their absence from the start against West Ham.

Of the two replacements, Kostas Tsimikas and Curtis Jones, the latter is most likely to keep his place, especially given the Reds seemed to get considerably worse last weekend when he went off.

However, with Szoboszlai’s running power arguably being more suited to away games, the Hungarian could still get the nod over a disappointed Jones.

Here are the coach’s likely selection options:

• Robertson comes in for Tsimikas at left-back
• Bradley starts at right-back while Alexander-Arnold makes the bench
• The midfield of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Szoboszlai start their fifth game together in Liverpool’s last six

This is how Liverpool would line up:

Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Jota, Diaz

One area Slot may look to change up is the attack.

Diogo Jota was far from poor against West Ham, but the striker has only one goal in his last 13 appearances which could prompt a rethink from the head coach.

Against West Ham, we saw Liverpool finish the match with Diaz up front and Cody Gakpo on the left, an option Slot turned to frequently earlier in the campaign.

It could be the case that the Dutchman returns to that formation as he seeks to keep his best three forwards on the field.

• Gakpo starts on the left for the first time since the Goodison Park derby
• Jones retains his starting spot following a good performance against West Ham
• Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk play together for the 101st time in their careers

Here’s how this alternate team would look:

Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones; Salah, Diaz, Gakpo

Liverpool have kept just one clean sheet in their last six outings – that should be where the game plan grows from.

If the Reds can prevent a poor Leicester team from getting traction on the break, they should have no issue scoring across the 90 minutes.

Slot’s side should win whatever the number of changes he makes. However, with defeat meaning certain relegation for the hosts, Ruud van Nistelrooy’s team could lift their game in front of their own supporters.

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Virgil van Dijk is "one of the few leaders there are still in the world of football", Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has told Sky Sports.

Van Dijk, who joined the Reds from Southampton for a then-world-record fee for a defender of £75m in January 2018, put pen-to-paper on a new two-year deal earlier this week, keeping him at Liverpool until the summer of 2027.

Liverpool's influential skipper will lead his side out away at Leicester on Sunday, live and exclusive on Sky Sports, as the Reds close in on their second Premier League title since Van Dijk's arrival at the club.

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Virgil van Dijk explains why he signed a contract extension with Liverpool

Slot admits Van Dijk's new deal is the perfect tonic ahead of this weekend's trip to the King Power Stadium.

"Huge news for the club, for the fans, for our players and for our staff, [we're all] so pleased," Slot told Sky Sports pundit and former LIverpool defender Jamie Carragher.

"Everybody knows how good of a player he is when they see him playing during the weekend, and we also know how important he is. I also know how important he is during the week when we train.

Sunday 20th April 4:00pm Kick off 4:30pm

"He is one of the few leaders there are still in the world of football for a team, and apart from that he's shown this season again how important he is on the pitch.

"When we train, when we're inside this building, if you look at him you see a big man, so you would expect him being a leader.

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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Liverpool’s match against West Ham in the Premier League

"But he's not only a leader because he's big and tall. He's also smart, players respect him a lot, and he brings a lot of energy into training sessions."

Slot: Van Dijk so good on the ball

Slot added: "He knows what he says, he knows how to motivate his team-mates to get the best out of us every single day.

"And apart from that, when it comes to quality, I was surprised how incredibly good he is with bringing the ball out from the back. The first training session we did we were trying to get players free in between the lines, and he found them constantly.

"I knew how good of a player he was (before I arrived at Anfield), how important he was, but that he was that good on the ball was even a surprise to me."

While Van Dijk appears to be revered and respected by most across the English game, fellow Dutchman Slot concedes that has perhaps not always been in the case, particularly in the pair's homeland.

"Maybe at the moment things changed to a positive way during this season," Slot said.

"But at the Euros he got quite a bit of criticism, the whole team got criticism, because although we reached the semi-final - and I think England scored just before the end to knock us out - during the whole tournament most pundits, most fans weren't that happy the way we, the Netherlands, played.

Image: Virgil van Dijk has faced plenty of scrutiny for his performances at international level

"And he, of course, by being such a leader, by being such an important figure, got a bit of criticism. Yes, he did, quite a lot actually. I don't think he gets that criticism a lot in England, and I think the English people see things better than the Dutch!

"In terms of playing style people expected more, and he got quite a lot of criticism - more than he's used to I think here in England."

Slot ready to welcome Trent back

With Van Dijk following Mohamed Salah in committing his future to the club, the attention has naturally shifted towards whether Trent Alexander-Arnold will follow suit.

Liverpool's right-back has been heavily-linked with a move to Real Madrid as a free agent this summer, but Slot refused to get drawn into the saga surrounding Alexander-Arnold's future.

"We prefer to talk about announcements, not about how things are going in the contract negotiations," he said.

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Arne Slot gives an insight into Trent Alexander-Arnold's future at Liverpool and his potential return from injury this weekend

"What I do know is that Trent is back on the pitch, he's training with us again. He's had a good season, so hopefully he can help us towards the end of the season by achieving what we all hope to achieve.

"And where his contract ends up, that is something inside here, but not when you're here. Richard (Hughes, Liverpool sporting director) and me, and, of course, it's also about Trent."

Slot has had to field questions about the futures of Alexander-Arnold, Salah and Van Dijk at most of his pre-match news conferences this season.

And while he is comfortable with the level of input he has regarding on and off field matters, Slot admitted he's relieved that contract negotiations don't form part of his remit at Liverpool.

"The football side of things, we talk about this on a daily basis, Richard and me," Slot said.

"I've always worked with the sports director. Now, as it was in the past when I worked with different sports directors, they want to know my opinion.

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Speaking on Monday Night Football, Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher break down how Mohamed Salah has become Liverpool's assist king in the Premier League this season.

"They want to know what I want next season, how I look at certain players. So there's constant involvement between me and Richard about how we want to create the squad for next season.

"But when it comes to the negotiation part, that's all about Richard, FSG (Fenway Sports Group), Michael Edwards (FSG chief executive of football). And I'm happy that I'm not involved in that part."

Watch Leicester City vs Liverpool live on Sky Sports Premier League from 4pm this Sunday; kick-off 4.30pm. Stream with NOW.

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Liverpool and Real Madrid could make big changes this summer with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jurgen Klopp and Xabi Alonso all tied to the situation

Liverpool and Real Madrid could make big changes this summer with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jurgen Klopp and Xabi Alonso all tied to the situation

Andy Robertson’s Liverpool Future: “He Won’t Take It Lying Down” – Jan Molby Liverpool Legend Faces New Challenge at Left-Back Change is coming at Anfield, and for Andy Robertson, that means direct competition. On the latest Molby On The Spot podcast from Anfield Index, former Liverpool midfielder Jan Molby offered a heartfelt but clear-eyed assessment […]

The post Molby: “He won’t take it lying down” as Robertson Faces Liverpool Left-Back Challenge appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Liverpool Legend Faces New Challenge at Left-Back

Change is coming at Anfield, and for Andy Robertson, that means direct competition. On the latest Molby On The Spot podcast from Anfield Index, former Liverpool midfielder Jan Molby offered a heartfelt but clear-eyed assessment of Robertson’s situation as the club eyes a new left-back signing this summer.

While there’s no doubting Robertson’s iconic status – “he’s already a Liverpool legend,” said Trev Downey – the feeling within the club seems to be that evolution is needed. Robertson, now 31, has missed chunks of the season through injury and, as Molby noted, “there’s a feeling that the team now needs to be upgraded in that position.”

But Molby was adamant that this next chapter won’t be quietly accepted by the Scotland captain.

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Molby: “He won’t take it lying down”

Jan Molby didn’t hesitate when describing the attitude he expects from Robertson in the face of increased competition. “He won’t take it lying down,” Molby said simply, a phrase loaded with admiration and expectation.

Molby continued: “That boy’s got that bit of spite in him – in the best possible way. He’s not going to roll over just because someone’s been brought in.”

Downey agreed, saying Robertson’s competitive edge and character are what made him a fan favourite in the first place. “He came from Hull, worked his way into one of the best teams in Europe, and played a massive role in every trophy we won under Klopp.”

What Comes Next?

It’s clear from the conversation that Molby respects the tactical shift underway under new manager Arne Slot. While Robertson remains a potent attacking threat, particularly in transition, Liverpool are reportedly looking for a more hybrid-style left-back – one who can invert and contribute in buildup play in a slightly different way.

Photo: IMAGO

Molby believes that while Robertson may not perfectly fit that evolving mould, he’ll fight tooth and nail to prove he still has a place. “He’ll look at whoever’s coming in and say: ‘You’re going to have to be bloody good to take this shirt off me.’”

It’s a moment of transition for the squad – the end of an era in some ways – but as Molby said, “You don’t lose your hunger overnight, and Robbo’s not that kind of character.”

Robertson’s Role in a New Liverpool

Whether he remains first-choice or not, there’s little doubt Andy Robertson will be central to Liverpool’s 2025/26 campaign. Leadership, experience, and mentality all count for something – especially in a team undergoing structural change.

Molby closed the discussion with a measured but powerful statement: “If he has to adapt or share minutes, he will – but don’t expect him to disappear quietly. That’s not Robbo.”

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Arne Slot oversaw training on Friday ahead of a potential title-winning weekend for Liverpool when they travel to face Leicester on Sunday, and Trent Alexander-Arnold is in contention.

This weekend could see Liverpool crowned Premier League champions if Arsenal lose at Ipswich and they beat the Foxes, in turn relegating them to the Championship.

Alexander-Arnold could play his part after returning to training after four games out with an ankle injury, with Slot confirming on Friday that he is close to a return.

“Not to start but if today and tomorrow things go well, he might, might be on the bench,” Slot said of his vice-captain.

“But definitely not start because he’s out for five-and-a-half weeks and this is, today (Friday), probably his first session with the team.”

All smiles ahead of #LEILIV ? pic.twitter.com/0KHBiK8gFE

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 18, 2025

Liverpool’s No. 66 was spotted with his teammates in the gym and subsequently the outdoor pitches at the AXA Training Centre on Friday, boosting his chances of minutes.

Whether supporters want to see him on the pitch is another matter entirely as he is still expected to land at Real Madrid this summer, but Slot clearly intends to utilise the 26-year-old.

He was the only returning face with Joe Gomez continuing his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury behind the scenes, though hopes remain he can yet be involved before the end of the season.

Liverpool’s cameras spotted 18 outfield players in addition to Alisson and Caoimhin Kelleher on Friday, though Federico Chiesa was not one of them.

We cannot read into that too much currently as the Italian was involved earlier this week and there could be copious reasons, including just not being the focus for club cameras.

Liverpool will take a strong squad with them to Leicester and that will include Darwin Nunez after he missed the win over West Ham with what Slot explained was another bout of illness.

Players pictured in training on Friday

Goalkeepers: Alisson, Kelleher

Defenders: Van Dijk, Konate, Quansah, Robertson, Alexander-Arnold, Bradley, Tsimikas

Midfielders: Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Endo, Jones, Elliott

Forwards: Salah, Diaz, Nunez, Jota, Gakpo

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Arne Slot has provided an update on Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s fitness and reacted to Virgil van Dijk‘s new contract ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Leicester.

Today’s Main LFC Headline

Alexander-Arnold has this week been back in training following the ankle injury that kept him out of Liverpool’s last five matches.

Slot has now added that “if today and tomorrow things go well, he might might be on the bench” against Leicester.

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The coach then insisted that Alexander-Arnold will “definitely not start” because he’s been out for five-and-a-half weeks and Friday was “his first session with the team.”

Conor Bradley should start instead but “for him to play 90 isn’t easy” either, explained Slot. It would be ideal to bring Trent off the bench in away game before returning to an unpredictable Anfield reception.

Read more here

Today’s Liverpool FC News

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• “There is no doubt that Alexander Isak is admired” by Liverpool, wrote the Times‘ Paul Joyce – Newcastle are unlikely to sell, though, especially if they qualify for the Champions League

• Joyce also suggested that Liverpool will have a ‘big summer’ but this “will be less extensive” now Van Dijk and Mo Salah have signed big contracts

• Liverpool loanee Luke Chambers has returned to Liverpool for rehabilitation following a back injury with Wigan, report the Liverpool Echo – he won’t play again this season

• Jurgen Klopp‘s agent, Marc Kosicke, has downplayed rumours he will join Real Madrid, telling Sky Sports Germany: “Jurgen is very happy with his new role as Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull. He’s fully focused and happy there”

More from This Is Anfield

Virgil van Dijk‘s new contract is a statement of intent from Liverpool and his work off the pitch is increasingly important to the club, writes Jack Lusby.

“Journalists reporting around this new contract have expressed how open he is in post-match interviews in the mixed zone, never shying away regardless of the result.

“That is certainly in contrast to the hands-off approach of the player entrusted as his vice-captain, with Trent Alexander-Arnold avoiding impromptu exchanges with the media throughout what is widely expected to be his final season at Anfield.”

Elsewhere in the football world today

• After Man United progressed to the Europa League semi-finals in dramatic fashion, Ruben Amorim admitted he ‘might need to put some kids’ in to play against Wolves in the league

• Newcastle assistant manager Jason Tindall has suggested Jacob Murphy deserves an England call-up – only Salah has provided more assists this season in the Premier League

• Former Rochdale and Tranmere midfielder Joe Thompson has sadly died of cancer at the age of 36

Liverpool FC: On this day

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The manner in which Liverpool will win the league is a big talking point at the moment.

On this day in 1964, the Reds nailed it as they thrashed Arsenal 5-0 at Anfield to secure their first top-flight title in 17 years.

This was also the match that became famous for BBC Panorama filming the Kop singing and describing them as an “extraordinary cultural phenomenon”.

Let’s hope Anfield is in just as fine form when we face Tottenham next weekend!

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Is Xavi Simons the Right Fit for Liverpool’s Creative Void? Creative Conundrum at Anfield Liverpool’s search for creativity continues under Arne Slot, and as Dave Davis put it on Transfer Market Metrics, the name Xavi Simons is firmly “back on the docket”. The Dutch international is causing a split opinion—what Davis called a “Marmite name”—as […]

The post Liverpool’s £60m Question: Should Xavi Simons Be the Next Move? appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

The latest Liverpool news as the manager has been linked with a move to Real Madrid in recent days.

The latest Liverpool news as the manager has been linked with a move to Real Madrid in recent days.

Arne Slot’s Big Summer Vision: Clarity, Commitment and Core Strength Van Dijk and Salah Anchored the Transition Speaking in the Post Conference Presser for Anfield Index, host Dave Davis reflected on the subtle but significant messaging coming from Liverpool boss Arne Slot. While much of the press conference focused on the build-up to the Leicester […]

The post Davis: Don’t Overreact to Slot’s LFC ‘Big Summer’ Comments appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk's outstanding leadership qualities have been demonstrated, with the Dutchman the player that "everyone looks up to in the locker room" at Anfield.

The center-back already boasts legendary status on Merseyside after an incredible seven-year spell with the Reds following his move from Southampton in 2018. The defender's arrival in L4 proved to be the catalyst as the club won every major offer available during the Jurgen Klopp era - including the Champions League in 2019 and Premier League a year later.

Having eventually inherited the skipper's armband following Jordan Henderson's departure in 2023, the 33-year-old's commanding performances have been integral to Arne Slot's successes during his inaugural campaign in the managerial hotseat. His compatriot, who succeeded Klopp last summer, has led the Reds to within touching distance of the English top flight title at the first time of asking.

Having signed a new contract at Anfield after fellow key man Mohamed Salah also extended his stay, Van Dijk's standing among his teammates has never been as pronounced. Unquestionably the club's leader on the field, the veteran superstar is said to be a "hands on leader" - even more so than previous Liverpool mainstays Henderson and James Milner.

That is according to the Daily Mail, who explored the former Celtic player's relationships with his colleagues, revealing that the Reds skipper is particularly close with defensive partners Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez. In addition to this, he is thought to enjoy mentoring rising stars such as Darwin Nunez, when they have needed an "arm round the shoulder".

There is no doubting Van Dijk's dedication to the role, having clocked up his 100th game as captain recently. Having put pen-to-paper on a new two-year contract to stay with Liverpool, it is clear that current boss Slot sees the skipper as central to his plans moving forward as they look to clinch a first title together - barring a spectacular collapse - in the coming months.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk (Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Describing his pride at finally putting any speculation over his Anfield future to bed, the Holland international appeared to show some rare emotion as he discussed his love for the club and the wider community. He said: "I'm very happy, very proud. There are so many emotions obviously that go through my head right now speaking about it.

"It's a proud feeling, it's a feeling of joy. It's just incredible. The journey I've had so far in my career, to be able to extend it with another two years at this club is amazing and I'm so happy."

He added: "It was always Liverpool. That was the case. It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool. There wasn't any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family. I'm one of Liverpool. Someone called me the other day an adopted Scouser - I'm really proud to hear these things, it gives me a great feeling."

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Philippe Coutinho has opened up on his Liverpool exit in 2018 and why his career has not worked out since leaving the Reds