Arne Slot has hailed Virgil van Dijk for the leadership he has shown in helping Ryan Gravenberch. Van Dijk looks set to become the first Dutchman to captain a team to the title.

need just two wins to confirm their status as Premier League champions, with closest challengers 13 points behind them. The Reds' chase for the title has been boosted by the confirmation Van Dijk and have signed new contracts.

Both have extended their stay at Anfield for at least another two years, having played key roles under this season. It is the second campaign Van Dijk has been skipper for, since replacing in 2023.

He is known to be a demanding player to his team-mates, with Slot now opening up on his role in Gravenberch's impressive season. The 22-year-old has become a key figure in Liverpool's midfield, becoming a revelation as the No.6.

Gravenberch had experienced a difficult debut campaign, but has shown his full worth in the title charge. And Slot has insisted Van Dijk has played a key role in his compatriot's stunning turnaround.

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"It tells you that we want to keep our best players, the ones who have had great seasons for so many years. That we are able to keep them as free agents tells you the ambitions we have for the coming years," the Liverpool boss said when asked about his new deal.

"Virgil is so important to us, great personality and great player. It's difficult to describe, you know how important he is when you see him player, everyone has complimented him over the years as a defender.

"I mostly watch football and look at possession, he is so, so good at bringing it out from the back. The diagonal passes, the through ball, the leader he is, that is something I haven't worked with before.

"The energy he brings to the team, how professional he is and how he tries to help his team-mates. He is always on Gravenberch, constantly have a big influence, ain influence he has is during the weekend. Good thing with him he has attributes that help here at the AXA."

Gravenberch was recently linked with a move to after his agent Jose Fortes Rodriguez, of the RAIOLA empire, opened up on his hopes for the midfielder's career.

He told Marca in an interview: "When Ryan was 16, called us. They wanted to sign him, but his father and I prioritized his development.

"He's good enough for Real Madrid. We would love for him to play for them, but Liverpool would ask for a lot of money. I know they've had their eye on him, but now it's impossible."

Those comments were wide of the mark though, with Gravenberch expected to stay at Anfield for some time. His contract has another three years to run and he is unlikely to be leaving any time soon.

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