Liverpool’s defensive colossus Virgil van Dijk has delivered a major boost to the club by signing a new two-year contract extension as the Reds close in on an inevitable 20th title – favourites with football betting odds.
The Dutchman has been instrumental in Liverpool’s current title challenge, with the Reds now just one win away from securing their second Premier League championship in the club’s history, and when analysing team form it looks as if that will arrive against Tottenham Hotspur.
His decision to extend his stay until 2026, alongside Mohamed Salah’s recent commitment, arrives as the side approach what could be a historic finish to the season. The centre-back’s renewal signals his belief in the bright future ahead under Arne Slot’s management.
As we celebrate Van Dijk’s contract extension, let’s look back at the Dutchman’s most memorable moments in a Liverpool shirt.
Everton debut
Van Dijk couldn’t have scripted a better start to his Liverpool career. After his £75 million move from Southampton made him the world’s most expensive defender, the Dutchman marked his debut with a dramatic 84th-minute winner in the Merseyside derby FA Cup tie against Everton.
Rising highest to meet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s corner, Van Dijk’s towering header sent the Kop into raptures and immediately endeared him to the Liverpool faithful. It was the perfect statement of intent from a player who would transform Liverpool’s defence.
The best in the world
In a crucial moment of Liverpool’s 2019 title challenge, Van Dijk showcased his defensive brilliance against Tottenham at Anfield.
Faced with a dangerous two-on-one situation, the Dutchman’s positioning, timing, and composure neutralised the threat completely from Moussa Sissoko and Heung Min Son.
His ability to read the game and make the perfect intervention kept Liverpool in the title race and demonstrated why he’s considered one of the greatest defenders of his generation.
This moment of defensive mastery highlighted Van Dijk’s unique ability to single-handedly change games from the back.
Champions League winner
Van Dijk’s imperious displays were crucial in Liverpool’s path to Champions League glory in 2019. En route to the final, he even contributed offensively with a powerful header against Porto in the quarter-finals.
His defensive masterclass throughout the tournament culminated in a commanding Man of the Match performance in the final against Tottenham, as Liverpool secured their sixth European Cup with a 2-0 victory in Madrid.
The number four’s transformation of Liverpool’s defence from fragile to formidable was complete, cementing his status as the world’s premier defender.
Premier League Champion
The 2019-20 season saw Van Dijk reach his pinnacle, producing arguably the greatest individual campaign by a defender in Premier League history.
After narrowly missing out on the Ballon d’Or to Lionel Messi, finishing a close second, Van Dijk responded by leading Liverpool to their first league title in 30 years.
His remarkable consistency, aerial dominance, and leadership were foundational to Liverpool’s historic triumph, as he played every single minute of the league campaign. The title victory validated his status as one of Liverpool’s greatest ever defensive signings.
Double winner
Despite a year out with injury through lockdown, the 2021-22 season brought more silverware as Van Dijk helped Liverpool secure an impressive domestic cup double.
First came the League Cup triumph over Chelsea at Wembley, followed by FA Cup glory against the same opposition three months later.
These trophies further enhanced his growing legacy at Anfield as one of the club’s most decorated defenders.
Captain Fantastic
After being named Liverpool captain following Jordan Henderson’s departure in 2023, Van Dijk continued to lead by example.
His crowning moment as skipper came when he scored the decisive winner against Chelsea in a cup final, powerfully heading home from a corner to secure another trophy for the Reds.
The goal perfectly encapsulated Van Dijk’s leadership qualities – stepping up when his team needed him most and delivering on the biggest stage to lead a side predominantly constructed of academy talent due to injuries.
As captain, his influence extends beyond his defensive duties, inspiring those around him to reach new heights.