-Credit:Adam Davy/PA Wire
The future of Virgil van Dijk remains a major concern for Liverpool fans, even if the center-back is expected to remain at the club beyond the summer.
The defender’s contract expires at the end of the season and there have been no significant updates on his future in recent months. Naturally, supporters may already be wondering what Liverpool’s backline will look like without the commanding Dutchman.
Regardless, with Van Dijk set to turn 34 this summer, the club will be beginning to make plans for his succession. It’s not just at the heart of defence where Van Dijk will be missed long-term, but also his presence as an experienced captain.
READ MORE: ‘I really struggled at Liverpool but I will never forget Virgil van Dijk’s classy gesture’
READ MORE: Michael Owen just saw ‘brilliant’ Mohamed Salah replacement in clear Liverpool transfer message
Liverpool has had just three permanent skippers in the last two decades so choosing a suitable replacement could become a pressing question in the next few years. Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy thinks a slightly unorthodox selection of Alexis Mac Allister could prove to be a shrewd one.
“So much of a captain’s role is about what you’re doing off the pitch including what support you can give your team-mates, as well as what type of leader you are,” he said, in association with Online Betting Guide.
“I actually think that Alexis Mac Allister could be the next Liverpool captain. So, I don’t know, maybe I’d probably be looking at someone more like Mac Allister who is starting to really influence games and be a leader.
“Liverpool need someone in the middle of the pitch but not in the infancy of their careers like Curtis Jones or Ibrahima Konate. I don’t think that being a captain would trouble Mac Allister, it could even take him on a level.
Virgil van Dijk replaced Jordan Henderson as Liverpool captain in 2023. -Credit:Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
“But at the moment Liverpool still have Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah, so it’s not a decision that needs to be made yet.”
A quiet figure in the dressing room, Mac Allsiter may seem like an unusual selection, but by the time Van Dijk departs Anfield, the Argentinian could be one of the most experienced players in Liverpool ranks.
Hopefully, by then, he will have collected some more silverware at Anfield, continued his impressive performances and will still be a mainstay under Slot. A World Cup winner who has proven himself at the highest level, the former Brighton & Hove Albion man may not be a bad candidate.
As for replacing Van Dijk at center-back, Murphy has another suggestion. “Could Marc Guehi be Virgil van Dijk’s long-term successor? Absolutely,” opined the 47-year-old.
“He is a terrific footballer. He is a good athlete and is in a great place in his career. He looks really comfortable with himself and has become the main man for England in his position.”