Virgil van Dijk will play into his 40s - but Liverpool could replace him with Newcastle man

Liverpool have been told captain Virgil van Dijk can play into his forties - and that his potential replacement is at Newcastle United. Van Dijk continues to be a hugely influential player for the Reds and is a key tenet of their strong start to life under new head coach Arne Slot this season.

The 33-year-old has played every minute in the Premier League and Champions League so far this campaign with Liverpool currently top in both standings.

With Van Dijk having entered the final 12 months of his contract, talks are ongoing over a new deal with the Holland international keen to remain at the club.

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And former Premier League centre-back Jose Fonte, who played alongside Van Dijk at Southampton, is convinced the Liverpool man has many years left in him at the top level.

"I’d back Virgil van Dijk to play into his 40s because although he still has pace, he would be able to adapt in his positioning and anticipate the game even better as years go on," he said.

"If he stays healthy with no injuries he’ll be able to play into his 40s, it’ll just be about what he wants to do with his career because it can be very draining to play at the highest level.

"You have to put in so much work everyday. But physically he is a monster, one of the best specimens I've seen. As a centre-back he wins all his headers, wins all his duels fast, he’s good on the ball, he's a complete player."

Fonte, though, believes Liverpool have a potential replacement in another of his former team-mates who he featured with at Lille and is now at Newcastle.

"I’d love to see Sven Botman replace Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool and I think he has the ability to do it," said Fonte, speaking to JeffBet.

"We won the league together in France and like Van Dijk, he is a monster. He is tall, very good in duels, he plays as the left centre-back, he loves a tackle, he’s aggressive and still young.

"I just hope that he can continue his progress after his injury and stay healthy, if he does that then I’m sure he’ll be considered by Liverpool."