Liverpool have been told to consider Manuel Akanji as a surprise replacement for Virgil van Dijk if the Dutchman leaves this summer. Van Dijk will be out of contract at the end of the season as it stands, with no agreement yet reached between the club and the 33-year-old over a new deal.

Virgil van Dijk rarely looks flustered on a football pitch. He’s a colossal center-back, with all the physical traits of an early ‘90s defender alongside the technical qualities required to play the role today.

Cody Gakpo has explained what Virgil van Dijk did in the Liverpool dressing room following the Reds’ 2-0 defeat of Manchester City on Sunday. Liverpool’s win over the champions at the Etihad extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to 11 points and puts them in a superb position to go on and win their 20th league title.

Liverpool's centre-backs showed against Manchester City why they have a case to be considered the best defensive pairing in Europe

The Liverpool captain has cut a calm and measured figure all season. That didn't change even in the post-match excitement that followed Sunday's Premier League win at the Etihad.

Virgil van Dijk rejects claim that Liverpool’s title is ‘almost there’ - A 2-0 win over Newcastle, coupled with Arsenal’s draw at Nottingham Forest, opened up a 13-point lead at the top

Koulierakis Added to Summer WishlistDefensive Reinforcements Identified Amid Van Dijk UncertaintyLiverpool are actively exploring defensive reinforcements as

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has insisted that there is still work to be done in the Premier League title race — and asked Reds fans to ensure the final home matches of the season in particular are as loud as possible.