'Probably': Martin Keown makes claim about 'man mountain' Virgil van Dijk as his Liverpool contract runs down
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Virgil van Dijk has been one of Liverpool’s best players this season, with the Reds facing a big problem with the defender’s contract expiring this summer.
The Dutch international is one of three superstar players at Anfield currently heading towards free-agency alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, though Van Dijk is believed to be close to signing a new deal with Liverpool.
With Michael Owen praising Van Dijk for his criticism of Liverpool after their 2-2 draw against Manchester United on Sunday, the defender has taken his game to new heights this season under Arne Slot, who has got the centre-back to being his best with the Reds.
And Martin Keown believes something has happened to Van Dijk this season at Liverpool.
‘Rolls Royce’ Van Dijk playing at his peak for Liverpool this season
Speaking to TalkSport, the former Arsenal defender claimed that Van Dijk is playing at ‘the peak of his powers’ this season for Liverpool, with the 33-year-old defender looking as imperious as ever for the Merseyside giants.
With Keown also noting that he would have wanted to play alongside Van Dijk, the Dutch international’s form has been nothing short of incredible this season, with the centre-back a key reason behind Liverpool’s impressive defensive record.
READ MORE: Everything to know on Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk from his tattoo to net worth
And for Keown, the Dutch international is currently playing at the peak of his powers, with the Liverpool captain showing why he could play at the highest level for many more years to come with his contract due to expire this season.
Keown said: “He’s a Rolls Royce. He’s purring across the ground, he’s got pace, he’s a man mountain, he’s very good in the air. He’s probably just at the peak of his powers right now. He’s another player that obviously Liverpool will be looking to keep, his contract is up at the end of the season.”
Liverpool simply can’t afford to lose Van Dijk this summer
Of the three players heading towards a free Anfield exit, Van Dijk currently looks like the most likely to sign a new contract with Liverpool, with an announcement likely to be made before the end of the January transfer window.
And with Van Dijk at the top of his game this season, Liverpool simply can’t afford to lose the former Southampton defender for nothing this summer, with the centre-back still the best in the world for the Reds.
Indeed, Van Dijk has shown time and time again this season that he will not be slowing down an inch, and Liverpool know that they need to get a move on in securing the defender’s future with one final big contract.
