Arne Slot in for a challenge as Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk enter final years at Anfield

The international fever is over and clubs will now be focused on making the most of their pre-season tours. All eyes will be on newly appointed Liverpool head coach Arne Slot as he takes over Jurgen Klopp’s role at Anfield. With a massive set of shoes to fill, Slot will have to be at his best and that includes managing and getting the most out of his star players.

Liverpool have some top names in their squad who have been there for the club for the past few seasons. Both Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are on top of that list, with the two players being a cornerstone for the team’s success. However, both Salah and Van Dijk are no longer the young guns they used to be. The pair are slowly nearing their mid-thirties and it would be a tough challenge for them to keep going with the same gusto.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah has been attracting attention from multiple Middle Eastern clubs as he enters the final years at Anfield. While Liverpool would hate to see their star player leave, the club could accept a suitable bid for the player, as it would be better than letting the Egyptian leave as a free agent.

Virgin van Dijk uncertain of his Liverpool future under Arne Slot

The Dutch skipper suffered heartbreak during the Euro 2024 as his side was knocked out of the competition at the hands of England. Virgil van Dijk didn’t seem too happy with the defeat, and his comments following the game might have raised concerns within Liverpool supporters.

Van Dijk stated, “I will think carefully this summer about what I want at club level and as an international player. After a season like this, where all kinds of things have happened, it gets emotional at the end because you know it’s over.”

The Dutchman is expected to be a central figure in Arne Slot’s defense this season and it will be interesting to see if the team continues to trust their star for the upcoming years. Virgil van Dijk’s contract with Liverpool ends in 2025 and both the player and the club are yet to come to terms on a contract extension.

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