Virgil van Dijk has been essential to Liverpool’s success in recent years and he is now looking to pass on his knowledge to younger players.
The Dutch defender has been a revelation at Anfield since his £75million move to Liverpool in 2018.
He has won the Premier League and Champions League with the Reds and was named the Premier League Player of the Year for 2018-19.
But at 33 years old, he is now entering the twilight years of his career and there were question marks about whether he’d even remain at Anfield after Jurgen Klopp’s departure.
However, HITC revealed on Tuesday that Van Dijk has confirmed to Liverpool that he wants to sign a new contract with the club.
With Virgil van Dijk set to stay for the start of Arne Slot’s tenure, he could be a great mentor for Liverpool’s up-and-coming stars.
Virgil van Dijk on Jarell Quansah
For large parts of last season, Van Dijk was partnered in the heart of defence with 21-year-old Jarell Quansah.
Quansah made 34 appearances across all competitions as he gained valuable first-team experience under Klopp.
Van Dijk spoke about the youngster to Ben Foster on Amazon Prime Video, where he revealed how he is trying to mentor him.
When asked by Foster if it is his job to keep an eye on Quansah, Van Dijk replied “100 percent. Not only because he’s young, but I could also say the same about Matip, Gomez and Konate.
“I’m always communicating and shouting. In the case with Jarell, I’m always in his ear, even outside of the pitch and before training.
“If we have a tactical session and we play against players he has never faced then I will speak about what they are good at, how they will try to get in your head.”
Jarell Quansah next season
With Joel Matip leaving this summer, Liverpool’s depth at centre-back has taken a hit.
A new defender is high up on the summer shopping list at Liverpool with the Reds keen on David Hancko.
READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold spotted with Real Madrid star as Liverpool exit rumours ramp up
Regardless, Quansah will be required to step up for Slot after impressing under Klopp. The former Liverpool manager was a big admirer of Quansah and called him a “real talent” last season
His partnership with Van Dijk has been constantly improving and the Dutchman is clearly willing to help him reach new levels next season.
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