Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has said he believes he can continue playing at the top level for years to come despite uncertainty over his future at Anfield.
The 33-year-old will be out of contract on Merseyside at the end of the season, along with other key players Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Van Dijk has once again been imperious for the Reds this season, completing more successful passes (1,141) in the Premier League than any other player this season.
The Dutchman has also won a whopping 49 aerial duels in the top flight for Liverpool, with only Ryan Gravenberch (33) making more interceptions than Van Dijk this season.
Negotiations over a new deal for all involved are currently underway, although Van Dijk has remained secretive about where his future lies.
But ahead of Liverpool's match against Leicester City on Boxing Day he was effusive about his relationship with the club, having joined from Southampton in 2018.
“I love the club, the club loves me. I love the fans, the fans love me, and it is a very good basis to be successful,” he said during an interview with Amazon Prime.
“As far as I'm concerned, I can at least play at the highest level for another three or four years. We'll see what the future brings.”
It's MATCHDAY!
Boxing Day football comes to Anfield #WalkOn | #LIVLEI pic.twitter.com/RsbebzFnlW
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 26, 2024
With the Foxes next at Anfield for Liverpool, Van Dijk will be hoping to continue the Reds' impressive form the day after Christmas.
Liverpool have won their last seven league games on Boxing Day, the longest run of any side in England's top four, and the longest ever for the Reds.
It has been an impressive start to life at Liverpool for manager Arne Slot, with his side currently unbeaten in their last 21 games in all competitions (W18 D3).
It is their longest streak without defeat since a streak of 25 between April and November 2021, and their longest in a single season since a streak of 24 between January and May 1989.
“I think the step from, with all due respect, the Dutch league to the Premier League is a big one as a player, but for a manager it is exactly the same,” said Dutch international Van Dijk.
“He has done very well so far and in my opinion he has inherited a very good team, not only as footballers, but also as human beings – guys who go to battle for each other – and I think he has done so so far has been far.” so good.
“He makes sure we keep working, don't be satisfied, focus on what's ahead and keep improving. You see the patterns we try to follow, we can change in games or at half time, and we do. ” Obviously a great honor for him.”
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