Arne Slot describes how Virgil van Dijk is in Liverpool training | OneFootball

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has raved about central defender Virgil van Dijk after the match against Ipswich Town at Anfield.

The Reds eased past Ipswich 4-1 in the Premier League game on Saturday.

Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring for Liverpool in the 11th minute before Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah found the back of the net in the 35th minute.

Dutch star Cody Gakpo scored twice, as Liverpool picked up all three points from the match without too much of a problem.

Van Dijk started the game for Liverpool in central defence alongside Ibrahima Konate.

It was the Dutch star’s 300th appearance for Liverpool, and manager Slot spoke highly of him, noting how he is in training and his leadership qualities.

Arne Slot praises Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk

Slot told Liverpool’s official website when asked about the qualities of Van Dijk: “If I have to make a list of what Virgil brings to this team then we can just go to the next press conference on Tuesday evening against PSV because he brings so many positives to this team.

“Bringing the ball out from the back, defending, his composure, he’s definitely a leader. As a manager, I haven’t worked with a lot of players that can say they are a leader, but Virgil is definitely a leader.

“Not only on the pitch, but also on the training ground. The moment we start the training, he is the loudest one and always leads by example. He is having a fantastic season, but I think he has already seven, eight fantastic seasons as well.”

View: Liverpool should hand Virgil van Dijk a new contract

Van Dijk is out of contract at Liverpool at the end of the season. No new deal is in place now.

Liverpool have to sort out this situation. The Premier League leaders need to hand Van Dijk a new contract.

Van Dijk may be 33 now, but he is going strong and is as good as ever.

The Dutchman is one of the first names on Slot’s teamsheet, and there are no signs that he is slowing down.

While Liverpool need to search for a younger player who can eventually replace Van Dijk, the Netherlands international centre-back still has a fair few years left in him.

Van Dijk has made a total of 286 appearances in the Premier League so far in his career.

The former Southampton and Celtic centre-back has scored 23 goals, given eight assists, and kept 111 clean sheets in those games.

Van Dijk has won the Premier League as well as the Champions League with Liverpool so far in his career.