Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been tipped to “thrive” at Barcelona, Actual Madrid or Bayern Munich, have been he to depart the Premier League leaders this summer season on the conclusion of his contract.
The 33-year-old put in one other colossal efficiency on Wednesday night time to assist a rampant Reds devour Tottenham 4-0 within the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie, scoring the ultimate purpose to place the cherry on high of an exceptionally well-iced cake.
Van Dijk’s newest masterclass continues what’s been a wonderful particular person season for the Dutchman, who has dispelled any notion that his means could also be on the decline by serving to Liverpool go 9 factors clear on the high of the Premier League along with topping the Champions League standings and reaching the Carabao Cup ultimate for the second 12 months in a row.
His continued wonderful kind is all of the extra important as a result of his Liverpool contract is up on the finish of the season. Presently, there was no settlement reached over an extension – although you’d think about a suggestion will certainly be forthcoming – and Van Dijk admitted within the aftermath of the sport that he has “no concept” what the longer term will carry.
A few of Europe’s greatest golf equipment have been tipped to maneuver for Van Dijk, understanding it is a uncommon alternative to choose up one of many world’s finest footballers on a free switch. And his former Southampton teammate, Jose Fonte, sees no purpose why he would not be capable to slot in on the likes of Barcelona, Actual Madrid and Bayern Munich, all of whom have been talked about as potential locations.
“Van Dijk would thrive at Barcelona, Actual Madrid or Bayern Munich, and I might not be stunned to see him at a kind of golf equipment subsequent season,” Fonte informed Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo.
“I might not be stunned to see him at a kind of golf equipment subsequent season as a result of these golf equipment can be in search of defenders as dependable as Van Dijk, and everybody can be watching if he reaches the top of the season with out signing a brand new contract.
“He can nonetheless play on the highest stage and has proven that he can care for himself. He can have no drawback sustaining that stage for 3 or 4 extra years.”
Fonte added that Van Dijk is “the most effective defenders in soccer historical past” whereas he additionally recommended {that a} decline in tempo would haven’t any affect on his general sport as he’ll as a substitute “enhance even additional in his positioning and anticipation.”
No matter Van Dijk’s resolution, his standing as a Liverpool legend is already safe. His Anfield achievements embody over 300 appearances in all competitions, eight main trophies – together with the Premier League and Champions League – a PFA Gamers’ Participant of the 12 months award and a spot within the PFA Group of the 12 months on 4 separate events.
