VIRGIL VAN DIJK is in talks over a new Liverpool deal and is “having fun” under new boss Arne Slot.
The Reds captain, 33, is one of a trio of stars out of contract at the end of the season, alongside Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
All three could discuss terms with clubs overseas from January if new contracts are not signed.
But Van Dijk, who joined for £75million in January 2018, says he is speaking to the “right people” about a new deal.
He said: “I can say obviously discussions are ongoing, but I don’t know, we will see what happens in the future.
“My full focus is on Liverpool, wanting to win games that are ahead of me and nothing else.
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“What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have been started up and we will see.
“I feel very good, physically, mentally and I am having fun.
“What the future brings, I have no idea at the moment, but discussions are ongoing with the right people, and when it’s time to make a decision or whatever, you guys will know it as well.
“But now full commitment and focus is on Liverpool and to be successful this season. So we will see.”
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Liverpool’s win over Chelsea on Sunday kept them at the top of the table, a point ahead of holders Manchester City.
Van Dijk, who won the Premier League in 2020, says he is blocking out talk of a title push in Slot’s first season.
Liverpool ratings vs Chelsea
By Ken Lawrence
LIVERPOOL picked up a big 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield to remain top of the Premier League.
The Reds registered their first victory against a team currently occupying the top half of the Prem table.
That was a major statement for the Merseysiders’ manager Arne Slot, whose team now stands a point ahead of Manchester City and four away from third-placed Arsenal at the top.
Mohamed Salah opened the scoring a minute before the half-hourmark from the penalty spot.
But Chelsea hit back just three minutes into the second half with Nicolas Jackson.
However, Liverpool picked up the three points thanks to Curtis Jones’ winner just three minutes later.
But how did each Liverpool star far? Check out Ken Lawrence’s player ratings below for more:
CAOIMHIN KELLEHER – 5
For the Kop – and no doubt secretly for boss Arne Slot – still surely lacking a top keeper’s presence.
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 5
Didn’t look entirely comfortable throughout especially in the face of Malo Gusto’s first-half raids.
IBRAHIMA KONATE – 5
Caught napping by Nicolas Jackson’s run three minutes into the second half for Chelsea’s equaliser.
VIRGIL VAN DIJK – 7
He has his assassins back home in the Netherlands but again showed imperious defensive abilities.
ANDY ROBERTSON – 6
The Scotland captain is often praised more for his attacking qualities than his defensive ones, but goodness me – what a brilliant last-second block.
RYAN GRAVENBERCH – 7
Only played 12 games in Jurgen Klopp’s final season but showed again why he’s now an automatic choice for Slot.
CURTIS JONES – 9
Outstanding all over the pitch, won one pen when it should have been two, plus grabbed a poacher’s winner.
DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI– 5
Again suggested he flatters to deceive, too often playing at a slower tempo than those around him.
MOHAMED SALAH – 7
What’s left to say about Anfield’s Egyptian king and his ultimate cool shot from the spot?
DIOGO JOTA – 4
Forced off after playing in pain after Tosin Adarabioyo hauled him to the deck early on.
CODY GAKPO – 5
Flitted in and out of the action, the Dutch wide man didn’t look that shocked to be replaced.
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DARWIN NUNEZ (for Jota 30) – 5
Still a work in progress, says Slot – but working much harder off the ball.
LUIS DIAZ (for Gakpo 65) – 5
Ever-willing to shows that feisty left-sided pace of his.
ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER ( for Curtis Jones 81) 5
Ill in midweek but as the Argentine always does, got stuck in.
JOE GOMEZ (for Trent Alexander-Arnold 81) – 5
A few welcome minutes for the defender now down the pecking order.
He said: “Everyone can have their opinion but I know, a lot of people know opinions can change every three days now in terms of people saying someone can win the league and someone can’t.
“There is no point listening to any of that. I don’t do that.
“I focus on one game at a time, I want to be successful, I want to win trophies in every competition we’re in, I want to try and win it.
“We know how difficult it is but I am going to give it a very good go.”
Van Dijk has also given credit to Slot for the club’s new tactical approach to matches.
He added: “I think it is the work we put in and it starts up front. That is the most important thing.
“You saw Darwin (Nunez) coming on against Chelsea, winning balls on the edge of our box and that is a good sign.
“It’s obviously a good basis to have because if you are defensively solid and you’re not conceding many goals or any goals at all, I think that is always a good way to success.
“I think at the start of the season, we saw numbers about what happens if your opponent is in the final third, how many bodies do we have behind the ball and I would say that has definitely changed.
“I wouldn’t say it’s [just] the last line and the goalkeepers making a difference, especially it’s the guys in front of us again, so it’s a team effort.
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“I know how it works, me and Ibou (Ibrahima Konate) as the centre-backs or the goalkeepers will get the credit for the clean sheets but it’s all about everyone in the team and credit to everyone who is doing that.
“And I am happy with the clean sheets, so hopefully we can get a lot more this season and be successful.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
