It does not bear thinking where Liverpool would be this season without Virgil van Dijk to set them straight.
Although the Reds have conceded a disappointing 17 goals in 11 Premier League matches this term, the captain has still been largely faultless.
While others around him have struggled to find their best form, Van Dijk has regularly stepped up to the plate. If Liverpool could clone him to fill all 11 positions, they’d do it in a heartbeat.
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Unfortunately, however, the sad fact looms that Van Dijk is now 34 years old and is surely in the latter stages of his career at Anfield.
For now, the Dutchman looks as imperious as ever, but there is clear doubt over whether he will extend a contract which currently runs for another 18 months.
Initially, Van Dijk was bullish about staying with Liverpool beyond 2027. However, the centre-back has now made a changing room declaration which could throw that into doubt.
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool celebrates the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield
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Virgil van Dijk hints at Netherlands retirement
It isn’t only Liverpool who benefit from having Van Dijk to lean on in game after game. He has been a rock for the Netherlands national team since 2015.
The Liverpool captain will lead the Oranje into his second World Cup next summer after they put the finishing touches to their qualification on Tuesday.
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The win over Lithuania also marked the 72nd time Van Dijk had worn the captain’s armband for the Netherlands, setting a new record.
After the 4-0 victory, Liverpool’s No. 4 was honoured with a special framed image to celebrate his achievement, and seemed to hint at an international retirement while addressing his teammates.
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“I’m proud to be captain of Oranje and lead you every single time,” Van Dijk said. “I’m already excited for the final tournament and to achieve success together.”
While it is possible that the veteran defender simply meant the World Cup ‘finals’ and his comments were lost in translation, Van Dijk has sent Liverpool fans scrambling with a suggestion that the end of his career could be nearing.
Netherlands retirement could extend Van Dijk’s Liverpool stay
Any hint that Van Dijk could be close to calling it a day will send shivers down Liverpool supporters’ spines.
He is that good that it genuinely will be impossible to replace Van Dijk at Anfield. He solves so many problems for Arne Slot’s team on his own.
Nevertheless, if the 2018 FIFA World Player of the Year is planning to hang up his international boots after the World Cup, it does not necessarily have to be bad news for Liverpool.
After 2026, the next tournament will come in the form of Euro 2028. As things stand, that will be one year out from Van Dijk’s Liverpool exit.
However, just because he is not planning to take part for the Netherlands does not mean his time with the Reds will also be over. It could feasibly be that Van Dijk is planning to simply focus on Liverpool at that stage and he may already have signed an extension beyond his current terms.
Either way, Van Dijk’s message was a reminder that Liverpool will not be able to count on him forever, and that is a sobering thought for millions of fans across the world.