Liverpool fans could be forgiven for asking what was amiss with Virgil van Dijk during the Merseyside Derby versus Everton on Wednesday night.
The Reds’ captain endured a torrid first half in particular - mistiming one clearance in front of Beto that really should have seen the Portuguese striker put Everton ahead at Anfield.
READ MORE:Torres set for return as Richard Hughes opens talks
Van Dijk, 33, looked a little rusty coming off the international break and Liverpool coach Arne Slot will be hoping it’s not the beginning of a long-term trend.
In recent games, there has been a sense in some Liverpool fans of a drop-off in the defensive colossus’s output.
Liverpool have put in some unconvincing performances in the last few weeks - against Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle - with Van Dijk being seen to be under par.
READ MORE: Liverpool move EVEN closer to signing Alexander Isak
Could age be finally catching up with one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever defenders? Don’t forget, he has played every minute of every league game this season - and only missed ONE Champions League game.
No new deal signed for Van Dijk
Along with those exertions, he’s had extensive involvement in the FA Cup, EFL Cup and UEFA Nations League. It’s only natural to worry, especially when he’s turning 34 before the start of next season.
It’s likely that Van Dijk has got more world-class seasons behind him than in front of him at this stage of his career and - as captain of his national team - he is showing no sign of slowing down heading into a World Cup year.
Perhaps that’s playing on sporting director Richard Hughes’ mindamid contract negotiations with the Liverpool legend. Currently earning £220,000 per week, Van Dijk is out of contract at the end of this season.
READ MORE:Star confirms Liverpool decision with new 5-year contract
It’s believed the club would like to keep him around but the latest reports don’t paint a rosy picture for the Dutchman and his demands.
As reported by Football Insider, Liverpool bosses are indeed concerned about Van Dijk’s age and that is leading to a standoff over the duration of any potential new deal.
Liverpool concerned Van Dijk's 'too old'
“The Reds captain, 33, is keen to sign a new deal but the delay in agreeing terms is due to a disagreement over the length of any contract,” reads the report.
READ MORE:Richard Hughes ready to strike €40m deal to replace Diogo Jota at Liverpool
“The Reds want to maintain their leadership group despite planning major changes to Arne Slot’s squad in the upcoming summer transfer window.”
One of those changes could involve centre-back - with Nico Schlotterbeck and Jorrel Hato among the players linked.
Of course, it could be just a blip on Van Dijk’s otherwise flawless seven-year record at Anfield - which has seen him win the Champions League, Premier League, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup, EFL Cup and plenty of other titles.
Liverpool transfer news today:Reds gifted BRILLIANT Liam Delap deal as star confirms his decision
But if Van Dijk wants that lucrative new contract for the length of time he desires then he’s got to show that Wednesday night was an exception.