After joining Mohamed Salah in signing a new deal to stay at Anfield, the importance of captain Virgil van Dijk to Arne Slot's title-chasing Liverpool team has never been more apparent

Strikers get spooked by the aura of world-class defenders and tend to avoid them altogether — especially Van Dijk

The Reds securing a new deal for captain Virgil Van Dijk is undoubtedly great news for the club. The Dutch centre back has been pivotal to the club's recent success, and a new two-year deal can assure fans that they can rely on a world-class talent at the back.