Liverpool now "have plans in place" for life without one important player - journalist

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Liverpool “have plans in place” for when legendary captain and centre-back Virgil van Dijk is no longer a Reds player, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.The Dutchman has become one of the best players in Reds history since arriving from Southampton in 2018, outlining his status as an all-time great in his position.Van Dijk is now 35, however, and is out of contract at the end of this season, so it is only natural that Liverpool have to begin to plan for life without him.Speaking to Football Insider, O’Rourke said that is very much the case, with Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni viewed as natural long-term replacements: “No decision has been made either way really on Virgil van Dijk’s long-term future. But look, Liverpool are planning for life without Van Dijk with the young signings they’ve made over the last couple of seasons.

“They’ve signed Jeremy Jacquet, who is coming into the side now, they’ve got Leoni as well, so they’re trying to build for the future with players who can develop at Liverpool. “As long as Van Dijk is still contributing, he’s such a vital part of the team, and he’s still the club captain as well so I’m sure they won’t be rushing him out the door.

But there are plans in place for life without him in the side, and these young players are going to have to step up.” Will Virgil van Dijk sign new Liverpool deal? For now, Jacquet and Leoni should be learning from Van Dijk every day – they couldn’t ask for a better role model – and if they get anywhere close to the skipper’s level, Liverpool will have two gems in their ranks for many years.