Postpublished at 13:07 British Summer Time 17 April
I'm just here to watch the thumbs down on the last post at this point.
Interesting take though, Barry...
If Van Dijk hasn't been the best, who has?
Summary
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk signs new two year contract
The defender's contract was due to come to an end in the summer and joins Mohamed Salah in extending his stay
Van Dijk - 'I'm very happy, very proud...It was always Liverpool'
Analysis: Van Dijk's trophy haul, Van Dijk's individual awards
Sami Mokbel: 'The leadership, you can't put a price on that'
Postpublished at 13:07 British Summer Time 17 April
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 13:05 British Summer Time 17 April
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Van Dijk hasn’t been the best defender in the PL this season, and if some of his so-called “tackles” had got the bookings and red cards they deserved, he would be classed in the Razor Ruddock level than being considered the alleged GOAT. Personally happy to see him re-sign for Liverpool, as he will undoubtedly be a liability next season.
Barry, Bournemouth
What have you missed?published at 13:00 British Summer Time 17 April
In case you're just joining us, we've been bringing you the latest after it was revealed that Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has signed a new contract with the club.
Here's the best of the reaction so far:
- Van Dijk signs new two-year contract with Liverpool
- The centre-back's individual honours in a red shirt
- How many trophies he has won with Liverpool
- Van Dijk's contract signing in pictures
- The best of your reaction
Stats reveal Van Dijk's greatnesspublished at 12:56 British Summer Time 17 April
Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writerVirgil van Dijk has proved a pivotal figure as he won all the major honours under Jurgen Klopp and now looks set to claim a second Premier League title, this time under Arne Slot.
He has produced a stunning set of figures that prove his greatness at the heart of Liverpool's defence since he arrived from Southampton on 1 January 2018.
At Anfield, he has played 151 games, with 149 starts, winning 121, drawing 21 and losing only nine.
He has helped keep 66 clean sheets - this amounts to win rate of 80% at home for Liverpool when Van Dijk has figured.
This explains why Liverpool were not letting him go anywhere, even though he is 34 in July.
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 12:50 British Summer Time 17 April
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Consistently excellent, a calm head in challenging moments, makes the game look easy, one of the best defenders of his era if not any era: Liverpool have secured two of the big three and sent a statement out about next year - if you thought we were going to drop off, think again. Liverpool are the team to beat. An exciting summer lies ahead, and re-signing Mo and Virg will strengthen our hand on the transfer market. Amazing news. YNWA.
Christian
'Slot can build team around Salah and Van Dijk'published at 12:44 British Summer Time 17 April
Stephen Warnock
Former Liverpool defenderVirgil van Dijk is more than just Liverpool's leader on the pitch. He is also hugely important to the way they play under Arne Slot.
That's why it's brilliant news for the club that he has followed Mohamed Salah and signed a new contract to keep him at Anfield for another two years.
The pair of them are already Liverpool legends because of what they have done for the club, but they are going to be a big part of what happens next too.
There are still going to be some changes when Slot shapes his squad at the end of this season but it will mostly be a case of strengthening rather than filling the huge hole he'd have been left with if two such iconic stars had gone.
It is going to be fascinating to see what happens next but, with Van Dijk and Salah staying, Slot can build his team around them instead of having to replace them first.
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 12:38 British Summer Time 17 April
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Watching VVD on the ball is a joy, he has an incredible passing range, rarely has to tackle or risk a foul, barely breaks a sweat. Him and Alan Hansen so similar. Chuffed he's staying.
Janet
This was the most important one of the three. He is the heartbeat and leader of this time. So delighted he is staying.
Anon
Van Dijk's impactpublished at 12:33 British Summer Time 17 April
Virgil van Dijk's late winner for Liverpool at West Ham which moved them to potentially one win from the Premier League title.
He said it felt 'beautiful' when that ball hit the net.
Unsurprisingly he was asked about a new contract in this interview and didn't give too much away. Luckily Liverpool fans didn't have to wait too much longer to hear the news.
Media caption, Van Dijk reacts to Liverpool victory against West Ham
Postpublished at 12:30 British Summer Time 17 April
Safe to say you're a fan of Van Dijk then, Zac?
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 12:28 British Summer Time 17 April
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Whether it's a hot take or not you can argue with a wall. He is the best centre back football has seen. Imperious tackle and duel win rates that are significantly better than next best. By a long way the most physically dominant CB to play the game in terms of speed and power. Went a whole season without being dribbled past having played Messi twice in that season, and has since been dribbled past by fewer people than I believe have been to the moon which is one of my favourite stats in football. He has done all of this in the absolute chaos that was Klopp's defensive system covering SO MUCH space by himself and never having a regular centre back partner, as well as them not really being on his level. On top of that, genuinely world class long ball distribution and a presence on the pitch that is unmatched. Peak VVD is the peak of centre backs - 2nd in Ballon d'Or only to Messi. The greatest.
Zac, London
Van Dijk's 24-25 seasonpublished at 12:22 British Summer Time 17 April
With it looking very likely that Liverpool will claim a second Premier League title this season, let's take a closer look at the skippers contribution to the campaign...
Premier League
- Appearances: 32
- Clean sheets: 13 (joint most in the league with Nottingham Forest)
- Goals: 2
- Assists: 1
Champions League
- Appearances: 9
- Clean sheets: 6
- Goals: 1
Image source, Getty Imagesget involved Get Involvedpublished at 12:16 British Summer Time 17 April
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Amazing news for Big Virj staying home! For anyone doubting his importance - just look at the team struggling in 20/21 season without him (injured). YNWA
Ivo, Maida Vale
At the end of the season, if and when we win the league title, the extensions for VVD and Mo will feel like a treble.
Anon
VVD signing was crucial. He is not only the heart of the defence but also a keystone to the team and club, who guides all around him. Now let’s get him another trophy to lift!
Ian
'The leadership, you can't put a price on that'published at 12:10 British Summer Time 17 April
Sami Mokbel
BBC Sport Senior football correspondent on BBC Radio 5 LiveOne of the questions Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes would have asked himself throughout this process is what expense it would cost Liverpool to replace Van Dijk.
He is one of the most iconic Premier League defenders, many would argue the best there has been. Going out and replacing that, not just the quality on the pitch but off the pitch too. The leadership, you can't really put a price on that.
I imagine Liverpool looked at it and saw it as a common sense decision to give Van Dijk another two year contract.
Image source, Getty ImagesPostpublished at 12:06 British Summer Time 17 April
That song is stuck in every Liverpool fan's head right now, right?
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 12:05 British Summer Time 17 April
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He's our centre-half, He's our No.4, Watch him defence, And we watch him score, He'll pass the ball, Calm as you like, He's Virgil van Dijk, He's Virgil van Dijk.
Walt, A very Liverpool fan in Manchester
Van Dijk signs new Liverpool contractpublished at 12:01 British Summer Time 17 April
Just joining? This is what we're reacting to...
- Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has signed a new contract
- His deal had been set to expire at the end of the season but he's joined Mohamed Salah in extending his stay with the club
- The 33-year-old centre-back confirmed it'll be a two-year deal and said he's an 'adopted Scouser'
- He has made 314 appearances for the Reds and was named Liverpool captain in 2023 following Jordan Henderson's departure
We're bringing you all the reaction to this breaking story.
Image source, Getty ImagesVan Dijk's individual awardspublished at 11:55 British Summer Time 17 April
Image source, Getty ImagesIt's not just team awards that Virgil van Dijk has racked up since his move to the Reds.
He's also built up quite the list of individual honours.
Van Dijk was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2019 and has been selected in the organisation’s Premier League Team of the Year on four separate occasions.
He also came second in the 2019 Ballon d’Or vote, losing out only to eight-time winner Lionel Messi.
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 11:51 British Summer Time 17 April
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The best thing about VVD re-signing, is that Konate & Quansah will have 2 more years to learn more and develop alongside him!! The future is bright!
Ian, Weston-Super-Mare
Van Dijk couldn't break into Willem II's first team, eventually got into Gronigen's first team, had to undergo a lifesaving operation before having a very successful time at Celtic, and then a pretty good time at Southampton. He then became the most expensive defender ever at the time, when he signed for Liverpool, helping them back to their former glory by winning a Premier League title, FA Cup and a Champions League title. A true Liverpool legend.
James
Amazing news about Van Dijk. One of the most consistent defenders of modern years and he doesn't look out of place yet. Great for next few seasons.
Anon
The extension: In picturespublished at 11:47 British Summer Time 17 April
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty ImagesPostpublished at 11:42 British Summer Time 17 April
Sign of a top player? When even fans of the fiercest of rivals can tip their hat.
