In last season's Merseyside showdown in October, Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk only managed to play 10 minutes of the match before he had to be substituted in a clash with Everton's Jordan Pickford with what turned out to be a bad cruciate ligament injury. Liverpool therefore had to do without their defensive star all last season, which could be felt in the club's game.

However, van Dijk looks set to be fully ready for Liverpool, The great Dutchman has been given playing time in the training matches, which is really good news for Liverpool, who will try to recapture the English championship this year and dominate in the years to come.

Therefore, to the great delight of many Liverpool fans, the club has chosen to extend the contract with van Dijk, so that the 30 year old central defender's contract now will expires in the summer of 2025.

Liverpool have extended the contract of many of the club's players over the summer, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Allison Becker and Fabinho.

Van Dijk came to Liverpool from league rivals Southampton in the winter of 2018 and has managed to play 130 games for The Reds and contributed with 13 goals.