Virgil van Dijk: What’s Next for Liverpool’s Captain?

Virgil van Dijk Remains Central to Liverpool’s Defence

Aside from an error against Villarreal in the Champions League, Virgil van Dijk has maintained his high standards for Liverpool this season. His partnership with summer signing Jeremy Jacquet continues to develop, while Van Dijk has played every minute of Liverpool’s Premier League campaign since the beginning of last season.

A “little niggle” has affected Van Dijk in recent weeks, leading to his absence from the latest Netherlands international window. It is the first international break he has missed with the national team since Euro 2020, but the issue is not considered a major concern.

Liverpool have lost several senior figures in recent years, yet Van Dijk continues to provide leadership on and off the pitch. That was illustrated by his suggestion to Andoni Iraola that the squad visit the museum at Anfield to learn more about Liverpool’s history.

Van Dijk’s character was also evident after Liverpool’s match at Crystal Palace on Sunday. He approached a group of reporters and asked whether they wanted to speak to him, rather than waiting for them to approach him. He regularly faces the media regardless of the result.

Premier League Statistics Support Van Dijk’s Value

Van Dijk is not the same dominant force he was under Jurgen Klopp, but he remains an elite centre-half, and his Premier League statistics support that assessment. This season, he averages 60.7 successful passes per 90 minutes, wins possession 3.5 times and makes 7.1 clearances. He has a 75% success rate in duels and a 79% success rate in aerial duels.

In his first full season at Liverpool, in 2018-19, Van Dijk averaged 72.4 successful passes per game, won possession 5.1 times and made 5.3 clearances. His duel success rate was 76%, while his aerial-duel success rate was 75%.

Liverpool Must Weigh Succession Risks

Liverpool’s hierarchy will also have considered how the situation involving Mohamed Salah unfolded last year and will want to avoid a repeat. After an outstanding 2024-25 season, Salah’s numbers dropped sharply in 2025-26.

The club has several young centre-backs, including Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, as well as Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye. However, allowing Van Dijk to leave would carry significant risk and could create a major gap in Liverpool’s defence.

Van Dijk did not accept a pay cut in 2025 and continues to earn a salary understood to be around £400,000 a week. Joe Gomez, 29, is also out of contract this summer. Liverpool have an option to buy Ronald Araujo, 27, from Barcelona at the end of the season, but Van Dijk’s departure would still mean a clear loss of experience and leadership.

Why This Matters

Van Dijk’s future is important because Liverpool’s defensive transition involves more than replacing a regular starter. The club has young centre-backs available, but Van Dijk combines elite defensive output with established leadership and extensive experience. Sporting director Julian Ward is therefore expected to treat the Dutchman’s future as a priority over the coming months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Virgil van Dijk miss the Netherlands’ latest international window?

Van Dijk missed the window because of a “little niggle”. The issue is not considered a major cause for concern, and it was his first Netherlands absence from an international window since Euro 2020.

How long does Virgil van Dijk have left on his Liverpool contract?

The source does not state the length of Van Dijk’s remaining contract. It says he continues to earn a salary understood to be around £400,000 a week.

Who could replace Van Dijk at Liverpool?

Liverpool have young centre-backs including Jeremy Jacquet, Giovanni Leoni, Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye. The club also has an option to buy Ronald Araujo from Barcelona, although Van Dijk’s departure would reduce the team’s experience and leadership.