Arne Slot's side arrive a Wembley on a low after a devastating European exit – but can always count on their skipper to step up to the mark
Liverpool may be runaway Premier League leaders, but Arne Slot's side have their problems going into Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Newcastle. Tuesday's devastating Champions League exit has seen to that, with the Reds left emotionally and physically shattered by their penalty-shootout loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
Still, it's worth remembering that they travelled south to face Chelsea at Wembley just over 12 months ago in far worse shape, shorn of the services of 10 members of the senior squad, including Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota.
Liverpool still managed to prevail, though, and the narrative will forever be that Jurgen Klopp's 'kids' miraculously got the better of the Blues' "billion-pound bottle-jobs", as academy graduates Jarell Quansah, James McConnell, Bobby Clark and Jayden Danns all played important roles after coming off the bench.
However, one senior star towered above all others on the day – in every sense. With just two minutes of extra-time remaining, Virgil van Dijk darted towards the near post to meet a Kostas Tsimikas corner and angle home a header that capped a defensive masterclass from the centre-back.
In his first cup final as captain, Liverpool's leader had risen to the occasion. If he can do likewise in his second – which could also be his last – it would only enhance his legendary status at Anfield.
Getty Images SportFans in the dark
It's still difficult to get one's head around the fact that Van Dijk's future remains unresolved with just over two months of the season remaining. The defender's contract expires at the end of June – along with those of Salah and Alexander-Arnold – meaning there's a very real chance that Van Dijk's final act at Anfield could be lifting the Premier League trophy before leaving on a free transfer.
It's a staggering state of affairs, truly unbelievable. One of Liverpool's greatest servants could be lost for nothing – and while still performing at the peak of his powers. It just doesn't make any sense to the supporters, particularly because nobody involved in the negotiations is saying anything. Not one director has stepped forward to shed some light on the matter.
As a result, the fans have been left in the dark while poor Slot has been left to fend off the incessant questions from reporters about the superstars with the expiring contracts.
AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'I don't know what will happen next year'
It's long been assumed/hoped that agreements would be reached, particularly with Van Dijk and Salah. There have even been rumours on Merseyside that the deals are already done, but have been kept secret in order to avoid piling on the pressure on Alexander-Arnold, who is clearly giving serious consideration to joining Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid.
However, Van Dijk dismissed such talk after Liverpool's Champions League loss to PSG, revealing that he still had "no idea" whether he would sign an extension.
"Genuinely," he insisted while surrounded by reporters at Anfield, "I have no idea at the moment. It is not on hold. Nothing is on hold… Everyone knows there are some conversations behind the scenes, but that is about it. At the moment, I don't even know what will happen next year. If anyone says they do know, they are lying to your face."
Getty Images Sport'Outstanding'
There's certainly no reason to disbelieve Van Dijk – or doubt the Dutchman when he says that his "full focus" is on Liverpool's 10 remaining games of the 2024-25 campaign. Van Dijk hasn't allowed the constant contractual enquiries affect his form up until this point – so it's unlikely to suddenly become an issue at the most important part of the season.
As Slot said last month, "Virgil wants, like all the other players, to make this a great year and he deserves every compliment he gets. He's been outstanding for this club for so many years and since I've been working here, he's been outstanding for me." And one of the main reasons why Liverpool are presently 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Getty Images SportFoundation of a title charge
Salah is obviously a shoo-in to win Premier League Player of the Year because of his sensational numbers in terms of goals and assists. The Egyptian winger has unquestionably been Liverpool's difference-maker. Van Dijk, though, is the foundation on which their title charge has been constructed, the defensive colossus that can always be relied upon.
At 33 years of age, he's played every minute of every Premier League game so far this season – which only makes his contractual situation all the more baffling, given he clearly remains as reliable as he is influential. Indeed, Van Dijk is utterly integral to the way in which Liverpool play, absolutely fundamental to their tactical approach with and without the ball.
As well as being his usual dominant self in the air (89 aerial duels won), he'd completed more passes than any other player in England's top flight (2078) heading into the weekend, and ranked joint-third among centre-backs for successful long passes (106).
