Jamie Carragher has urged Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold to follow Virgil van Dijk’s example after praising the Liverpool captain’s handling of his contract saga.

Former Reds defender Carragher was responding after Salah sent a cryptic social media post following the draw with Manchester United on Sunday. The Egyptian posted a picture showing himself, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk in action during the game without any caption.

It would appear to be a message to Liverpool amid the ongoing contract situation regarding the trio. All three players are set to see their current deals expire at the end of the season, with no indication yet whether any of them will sign an extension.

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• Mohamed Salah sends crystal clear triple contract message to Liverpool after Man Utd game

• Arne Slot has already hinted that one Liverpool player won't start against Spurs

The post is the latest message to come from Salah during the saga, with the 32-year-old having spoken out a number of times over the last couple of months. In his most recent interview, he once again indicated that he and the club are still far away from reaching an agreement on a new deal.

Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold continues to be heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, with the Spanish giant stepping up its attempts to sign him during the January transfer window. Carragher has previously theorized that Real’s failed bid may have been orchestrated by the Liverpool vice-captain’s representatives.

As for Van Dijk, the 33-year-old has indicated that he too is still no closer to signing a new deal at Anfield. Nevertheless, Carragher was full of praise for the defender’s approach amid Salah’s latest message.

“You know what I would say? I would say Virgil van Dijk has come out of this whole situation this season, as the captain of the club, in a higher esteem,” Carragher told Sky Sports.

“The way he’s conducted himself, his performances on the pitch, the way he’s led the team, the way he was yesterday as well, and he hasn’t got involved in too much around this.

“It’s obviously a really important time for all three players, we know that, but I think rather than speak about Trent Alexander-Arnold or Mo Salah, I’d probably like to pay tribute to Virgil van Dijk. I think he’s come across as a real statesman with the way he’s handled it.

“He’s been asked questions, he’s knocked it away, he’s here to win the league, he wants to do his utmost for Liverpool, and fingers crossed he signs. I think the other two could maybe look at Virgil van Dijk and take a leaf out of his book.”

Liverpool.com says: Van Dijk has handled himself well during this whole saga. It's noticeable how much less attention there is when the Liverpool captain makes a comment about his contract situation compared to Salah, or when there's a development in Real's interest in Alexander-Arnold. Most Liverpool fans would probably prefer the other two to take that same measured approach at this point.