Arne Slot admits he's been surprised by Virgil van Dijk amid Liverpool contract standoff

Arne Slot has admitted he has been "surprised" by just how good Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is since taking charge at Anfield.

Van Dijk is one of three star players who are in the final six months of their contracts, with Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold's futures also up in the air. Despite the uncertainty over whether Van Dijk will still be at the club next season, Slot has hailed the 33-year-old.

"Everybody here in England would tell you that Virgil van Dijk is the best defender in the world," Slot told Gary Lineker in an interview for BBC Football Focus. "In Holland, he got a bit more criticism than he gets over here in England.

"I was, in a very positive way, surprised how good he was on the ball and how he could play football through the lines. From the first day I was like 'wow, this is definitely another level that I'm used to'. But people in England were used to this."

Van Dijk has previously admitted he would like to stay at Liverpool, but said earlier this month that he is unsure "what the future will bring". Speaking after he made his 300th appearance for the club in Liverpool's 4-1 win over Ipswich, Van Dijk said: "Very proud.

"My family and my kids were here today so it was a special day. I might get a glass of red wine tonight just to celebrate, me and my wife. But that's it. The focus is then on the next game. There will be a day one day when I reflect on everything that's happened to me at Liverpool.

"Then I'll have a proper think about what stands out. Hopefully there are still good things to come. I have no idea (how many more appearances I'll make). How many left this season?

Image: Alex Dodd/CameraSport) Alex Dodd/CameraSport)

"Hopefully those are guaranteed and then I don't know what the future will bring. It's down to everyone involved - the players, the managers, the fans. It's a good stat to have. We will keep going. Good win so now we focus on the next one."

However, Van Dijk has been rested for Liverpool's next game, which sees them take on PSV Eindhoven in the final league match in the revamped Champions League. They have already secured their spot in the round of 16, meaning Slot has rested a number of first-choice players including Van Dijk.

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