The defender's deal at Anfield is due to expire in the summer and he has confirmed that "discussions are ongoing" about committing his future to the club.

Van Dijk said: "I can say discussions are ongoing, but I don’t know what happens in the future.

"My very full focus is on Liverpool, wanting to win games that are ahead of me and nothing else. What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions are ongoing with the right people and when it’s time to make a decision or whatever, I think you guys [the media] will know it as well. But now full commitment and focus is on Liverpool and to be successful this season. So we will see."

The Reds began a daunting run of fixtures with a 2-1 win over Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday (20.10.24) and the Dutch international is ready for games against Arsenal, Real Madrid and Manchester City in the coming months.

Van Dijk said: "Listen. on paper, it looks like it is a very tough run of games and it is.

"Also what makes it difficult is we travel and it is about staying fit, keeping the rhythm, but I am looking forward to it. This is what you want to do, you want to play on the highest level and perform and show what we can do. So let’s go for it."

Curtis Jones had a starring role as Liverpool remained at the top of the Premier League with the win and the Reds captain was effusive in his praise of the young midfielder.

Van Dijk said: "I think it’s been an amazing couple of weeks for him [Jones] on a personal level.

"Of course becoming a dad for the first time and I am happy everything went well there, that is the most important thing. He was [also] man of the match [against Chelsea], scoring the winner which is always important. But apart from that he was outstanding in the defensive work he did."