The Liverpool defender put in a typically solid display at the back as his side cruised to a 2-0 win over Brentford in the Premier League on Sunday. Despite being an integral part of the backline on Merseyside, Van Dijk is yet to sign a new deal at Anfield, and will become a free agent next summer as it stands. But the 33-year-old says he is keeping a level head and focusing on his football for the time being.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the Brentford match, Van Dijk said: "I'm very calm. I want to play the best season I can again. I want to be important and stay important for the club this year. Whatever happens next year, we will see. Everything happens for a reason is how I see it and for now there have been no changes in my situation, but I am very calm about it and there's no reason for me to start thinking of something else because I have a whole season to play for still and hopefully it will be a successful one."

Losing Van Dijk will be a blow whenever he decides to depart Liverpool, but not securing him to a new deal while he is still regarded as one of the best defenders in Europe would be a strange decision from manager Arne Slot. With Jurgen Klopp's absence already leaving a big hole on Merseyside, the club captain's departure would be equally as painful.

The win against the Bees marked Van Dijk's 100th outing at Anfield. He has only ever lost twice on home soil, winning 82 and drawing the other 16. Patrice Evra is the only player to earn more points in his first 100 home games (263 with Manchester United), than the Dutchman (262 with Liverpool).

After recording a perfect start in the Premier League with two wins out of two, things are about to get serious for Van Dijk and Co. A trip to Old Trafford to face arch-rivals Manchester United awaits, a ground they failed to win at twice last term, drawing in the league and losing in the FA Cup.