Arne Slot has once again addressed the future of Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk (Image: Getty)
Liverpool Arne Slot has once again placed his opinion on the table regarding the future of his captain and defensive talisman Virgil van Dijk.
The 33-year-old was imperious on Thursday evening as the Reds rallied to over-turn a 1-0 aggregate deficit and beat 4-0 to book a place in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
will face Eddie Howe’s inside the national stadium, and Van Dijk was a crucial factor behind the charge into the last two.
However it was which posed an element of concern, with the Dutchman rubbishing recent rumours that a new contract on Merseyside for him had already been agreed.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Van Dijk said: “The only thing I’m focusing on is the game ahead of me, and I’m feeling good.
“I think everyone can see that, and what the future brings, at the moment, I’ve got no idea. So anyone who says they know it, they are absolutely wrong. But we’ll see what happens.”
Slot wasted little time on having his say on the matter, after being asked immediately about Van Dijk during Friday morning’s press conference, ahead of the looming FA Cup clash with Plymouth.
When asked about Van Dijk’s performance and, most notably, what he hopes his future will entail, Slot responded: “Yesterday he was in a good manner, aggressive, he led the team but also with the ball, we know what he can do.
After the Spurs win Van Dijk insisted nothing had yet been resolved with his future (Image: Getty)
“It was not a coincidence that it was 80 minutes before they had a shot on target, so Virgil like many others is having a good season, but he wants to make it a great one.”
When pressed specifically on his future, Slot offered a wry smile before stating: “[I hope for] his health, good health for him and his family, that’s the first thing I wish him. And I hope I can enjoy working with him for a long time, and I don’t think that is a suprise for you.
Van Dijk, like team-mates and , is able to walk away from Anfield for free at the end of the current season if a contract extension is not agreed.
All three players are able to speak to overseas clubs at this point in the season, in order to establish a possible pre-contract agreement.
While Van Dijk’s comments may ring the alarm bells, there is a growing belief across Merseyside and beyond that the Dutchman, along with Salah, will be successfully tied down by the club for the remainder of their prime years.
Big question marks still hang over the head of Alexander-Arnold, however, who finds himself in a much different situation having only recently turned 26.
Fierce speculation remains regarding Alexander-Arnold’s supposed imminent move to Spanish giants Real Madrid, though the victory over Spurs offered much confidence to fans in terms of his possible replacement.
Youngster Conor Bradley assumed the right back position and put in a performance worthy of Man of the Match accolades. The northern Irishman looks like a bonafide first team star, and Slot responded positively when quizzed on the situation and whether Bradley is ready to replace Alexander-Arnold.
The boss said: “I think it’s fair to say that for many positions we have two very good players… you have to have this when you’re at a club competing for all the honours. But at right full-back this is definitely an example of this.”