Westerveld Urges Liverpool to Retain Van Dijk

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Sander Westerveld has stated that Virgil van Dijk remains “so important” to the club and that they “really have to keep him” beyond the current season. The 33-year-old Netherlands centre-back’s contract is set to expire at the conclusion of the campaign, a situation also faced by his teammates Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Earlier this month, Van Dijk, who captains Liverpool, confirmed that discussions regarding a new agreement at Anfield had commenced. Westerveld, who played for the Reds between 1999 and 2001, elaborated on Van Dijk’s value: “He’s a leader, he organises, he’s still the best one in the air, he’s quick – he’s 30-something but they still can’t beat him.” He continued, “He’s got everything a good defender needs and he’s still playing like he’s 26. He’s so important.” Westerveld further emphasized, “We talk about the players that run out of contract and I think this one is a massive one – we really have to keep him.” Westerveld additionally commented, “I think this is the only place he should play football, he can still win trophies here and he doesn’t need to leave.” He noted the challenges of moving clubs: “It’s always difficult when you leave, you have to adapt to where you’re going. I think he’s just focusing on his game now, that’s why he’s playing so well, and I think in January he’ll almost definitely sign a new contract.”