'Can go beyond': Darren Bent now thinks Liverpool have a player who can match unreal Premier League feat
09/10/2024 03:00 AM
Premier League players are playing for longer at the highest level and extending their peaks for more seasons than ever before.
Whilst fixture congestion has become a major issue and one that former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp brought up numerous times during his time at Anfield, professionals in the game are now fitter than ever before, and as such, extending their playing careers.
Last season alone saw the likes of former Red James Milner and Thiago Silva set numerous records for their achievements of playing in the Premier League at the ages of 38 and 40 respectively, with the pair key for Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea.
And Darren Bent now thinks Liverpool have a player who could still be one of the best in the world once he reaches this sort of age.
Virgil van Dijk told he can be at the top of his game for a few more years
Speaking on TalkSport, the pundit made the bold claim that Virgil van Dijk could be one of these unicorn players like Milner and Silva who could remain one of the best in the world regardless of how old he becomes.
At 33-years-old, Van Dijk remains one of the best defenders in football and a centre-back who is showing no sign of slowing down just yet with Liverpool, and Bent thinks the Dutch international could keep going for many more years.
READ MORE: Everything to know on Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk from his tattoo to net worth
Bent said when asked if Van Dijk could replicate the likes of Milner and Silva in the years to come: "I think he can read the game, I think you can now as a centre-half can go beyond 35, 36.
“His game might have to change a little bit, you can't maybe defend as high, especially given the way Liverpool defend because you get caught out, but certainly right now, he has still got his pace, he is quick, he still reads the game, he still wants to defend one-v-one and two-v-two."
Van Dijk could easily play for another four or five years with Liverpool
Van Dijk is one of the best centre-backs the Premier League has ever seen, and at 33-years-old, the Dutch international is showing no sign of slowing down just yet with Liverpool under new manager Arne Slot.
Even four years on from an ACL injury, Van Dijk is at the top of his game and a defender who could play a key part for the Reds in the seasons to come, especially if a new contract can be agreed on in the coming weeks.
Indeed, there’s a real chance that Van Dijk could keep playing in the Premier League for another four or five years if he remains fit, and Liverpool fans would love to see their captain stick around for as long as possible.
