Virgil van Dijk is convinced he and Mohamed Salah can remain key players for Liverpool but is ‘gutted’ about Trent Alexander-Arnold departure
Virgil van Dijk is convinced both he and Mohamed Salah can continue to prove key players for Liverpool over the next two years – as he praised the Anfield farewell for Trent Alexander-Arnold. All three players saw their Reds futures the subject of constant speculation this season having each entered the final 12 months of their respective contracts.
Van Dijk and Salah ultimately agreed to extend their Anfield commitment to 2027 although Alexander-Arnold earlier this month confirmed he will leave on a free transfer at the end of the season with Real Madrid his expected next destination.
Salah has enjoyed an outstanding season in helping Liverpool lift the Premier League title, scoring 34 goals and providing 23 assists in 52 matches in all competitions to also claim a raft of individual accolades.
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And of his team-mate, Van Dijk said: “Ridiculous numbers. He’s a fantastic player.
“I am really happy that me and Mo signed for another two years. We feel like we can still bring so much to the team. Mo had an amazing season.
“You saw my reaction when he scored (on Sunday in the 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace), I was over the moon for him. He gets the applause he deserves. He goes on holiday now. He doesn’t have internationals.”
Of the chances of Salah winning the Ballon d’Or, Van Dijk added: “These things are out of our control. If he wins it then I think no-one could argue. Maybe we have to go to Paris together!”
Alexander-Arnold was targeted for abuse from sections of the Anfield crowd a fortnight ago against Arsenal, the first game since he announced his decision to leave.
While the fallout caused a split in the Liverpool fanbase, the reception for Alexander-Arnold on his farewell outing against Crystal Palace was almost universally positive.
And Van Dijk said: “I won’t say it’s a sad situation, but it’s not a great situation for anyone. We all wanted Trent to stay. He’s outstanding. You saw again the quality he brings to the team. There is no debate. We’re all gutted he’s leaving.
“But he made that decision with his family that unfortunately his time at Liverpool has ended and we all have to deal with it. We will deal with it.
“(On Sunday) everyone understood the message that it was all about celebrating. I’m glad he got the farewell he deserved for everything he’s done on the pitch.”
