Arne Slot has hailed the affect of Virgil van Dijk on and off the pitch for Liverpool, with the captain in “fixed talks” over a brand new contract.
Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are permitted to formally focus on strikes to golf equipment exterior of England from January 1, as they enter the ultimate six months of their contracts.
Liverpool shall be desirous to keep away from any of these gamers reaching an settlement with one other aspect, however because it stands there was no breakthrough in “fixed talks” over extensions.
• READ: Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah “very doubtless” to remain at Liverpool
Requested about their state of affairs throughout his pre-West Ham press convention on Thursday, Slot reiterated: “If we might [have an update], then in all probability it’s not the second for me to inform you now.
“However normally I don’t discuss contract conditions right here.
“It might be a shock if I used to be the one to announce that one in all them had prolonged, in order that’s for a unique second.
“Preserve asking as a result of that’s your job, however you’re in all probability not going to get a solution from me.
“It’s clear that from the primary of January perhaps for you guys issues change so much, however they’re in fixed talks with the membership.
“Let’s wait and see what occurs. So long as they preserve performing like this, the supervisor – or the pinnacle coach I’ve to say – is proud of them.”
There have been hopes that Liverpool might replicate their announcement of the signing of Van Dijk on December 27, 2017 with information of a brand new contract on Friday.
Because it stands that has not been the case, although there might maybe nonetheless be a shock sighting of the Dutchman standing in entrance of a Christmas tree with a pen and paper in hand.
Whereas that appears unlikely, Slot would definitely welcome his compatriot extending his keep at Anfield past the top of the season.
“That’s tough for me to guage, as a result of I wasn’t right here when Virgil was near successful the Ballon d’Or for instance,” he stated when requested if he felt Van Dijk was pretty much as good as he’s ever been this season.
“He’s been an amazing participant, such a fantastic participant for Liverpool, for thus a few years.
“Sadly for him he was out with an harm for nearly the entire season. That didn’t assist this membership in any respect, in order that in all probability tells you the way massive of an affect he has right here on this membership.
“I can solely inform you what my experiences are with him and he’s been [outstanding] – not solely from what you see, since you see him through the sport and he’s excellent through the sport, however he has such a huge impact in coaching periods as properly.
“He’s the vocal chief of this crew, each time we begin an train he’s each time on high of his teammates and he leads by instance.
“So for me, he’s been excellent till now and we will solely hope he can proceed exhibiting this through the video games and within the coaching periods so long as he’s with us.”
