Virgil van Dijk set a new appearance record after starting in Liverpool’s 1-0 loss to Galatasaray, which shows both his remarkable fitness and the risks taken with it.
Van Dijk started his 29th consecutive game for Liverpool in Tuesday night’s Champions League defeat at Galatasaray, which is the longest such run since 2010.
The last outfield player to start as many games in a row in all competitions was Jamie Carragher, who started 33 between December 2009 and May 2010, per Opta’s Michael Reid on X.
It is an impressive feat from Liverpool’s captain – starting with the 2-0 win over Aston Villa on November 1, 2025 – and he is likely to extend that further to exceed Carragher’s tally in the coming weeks.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 28, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk celebrates after scoring the second goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and West Ham United FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
He has produced this consistent run despite being the oldest player in Arne Slot‘s squad at 34, and speaking last month the head coach praised Van Dijk’s fitness.
“We are aware of the fact that Virgil will not play for this club for 10 more years,” he said when discussing the £60 million deal for potential successor Jeremy Jacquet.
“But he has a one-and-a-half-year contract left so he will be with us for that period of time and maybe even longer if he keeps staying as fit as he is now.
“Because I’ve said it before, what a compliment to him at his age to play every three days, not only for our club but also for his country, for seven or eight months already.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, March 9, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 1st Leg match between Galatasaray SK and Liverpool FC. (Photo by Jessica Hornby/Propaganda)
“So yeah, hopefully he can stay as fit as he is for multiple years.”
Van Dijk continues to play at a world-class level while starting game in, game out, which is staggering considering the ACL injury he suffered back in 2020.
However, while it is a record Liverpool should cherish and, all being well, hope it runs until the end of the season, it also shows the risks taken with starting so many games.
Why Arne Slot has risked Virgil van Dijk in record starting run
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 10, 2025: Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk and head coach Arne Slot before the FA Community Shield match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium. Palace won 3-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Propaganda)
With Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley both sidelined for the remainder of the season and all three of Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Jeremie Frimpong suffering with injury issues, Van Dijk has been one of few constants.
That has meant for fewer opportunities to rotate, particularly as Andy Robertson – trialled as a left-sided centre-back in pre-season – is typically required to fill in for Milos Kerkez at left-back.
Youngsters such as Amara Nallo and Wellity Lucky have not been trusted to start, which means Van Dijk’s run of 29 consecutive starts has included three FA Cup games, one of which came against League One side Barnsley.
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With his last night off being the 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup on October 29, it is perhaps no surprise that Slot has been reluctant to leave his No. 4 out.
But those involved and those watching on can only hope that it does not leave Van Dijk at risk of injury between now and the end of the season.