'The most important': Danny Murphy names the Liverpool player who simply has to play every game this season

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Liverpool have made a fantastic start to life under Arne Slot, in what has been a real team effort so far.

Slot has impressed Rafael Benitez, with the Dutchman having done a simply phenomenal job in the Liverpool dugout so far.

It was undoubtedly going to be a difficult task in replacing Jurgen Klopp, who left Anfield a legend in the summer.

At the same time, however, the German left his successor a very talented squad, with Slot very fortunate to take over the current group of players.

Worryingly, however, three stars in Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah will see their contracts expire next summer.

Danny Murphy makes Virgil van Dijk contract claim

Mark Lawrenson wants a new deal for Van Dijk ahead of his Liverpool teammates, and fellow pundit Danny Murphy has now echoed that sentiment.

Discussing the Anfield captain on talkSPORT, Murphy said: "The most important out of all of them. He just makes everyone better. He is the gaping hole. Liverpool score goals whether Salah plays or not.

READ MORE: Everything to know on Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk from his tattoo to net worth

"Obviously, for a prolonged period, you need to think who will replace Salah, but Virgil missing for one game is a blow, never mind 10, 12. We have seen it before with Liverpool how they struggle when he is not there."

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Obviously the ideal scenario for Slot and everyone connected to the Merseyside club would be new deals for all three.

But that may be unlikely given that next summer is rapidly approaching, with no new deals having been confirmed by Liverpool.

Losing any of the three players would be a huge blow, with the Anfield faithful set to be lost without the presence of Salah and Alexander-Arnold.

READ MORE:Virgil van Dijk left really impressed by four Liverpool players during the international break

But perhaps Netherlands ace Van Dijk is the most important of the trio, with the captain a real leader on and off the pitch.

He undoubtedly improves those around him, and has been central to the club's superb defensive start to the new season.

Liverpool have conceded just three Premier League goals under Slot, with Van Dijk forming a solid partnership with Ibrahima Konate.