Virgil van Dijk is the holding block of Liverpool’s Jenga tower, writes DOMINIC KING. It’s why the Reds can’t risk losing him for free at the end of the season

Calm as you like. Those four words are always given emphasis when Liverpool fans sing about Virgil van Dijk, how he defends and passes the ball.

Nothing fazes him, nothing drags him into the realms of the uncertain. He is a master of deception as he makes you think it is all so easy when he moves through the gears.

Through Liverpool’s assured start to the campaign, a constant has been the commanding displays of their captain. Others are getting plenty of headlines but he is the holding block in this Jenga tower — take Van Dijk away and the structure would start to wobble.

‘He’s better than ever now,’ said Andrew Robertson, who has been on Van Dijk’s left side for seven years. ‘He’s our main man at the back. He’s pushing us all and he has been fantastic.’

Smoothly, Liverpool have moved to the top of the embryonic table and were always in control in this win at Wolves.

The Reds skipper was at it again as Arne Slot’s side beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1

Attention will soon turn to Van Dijk’s contract as his deal expires at the end of the season

‘Nobody is paying attention to the table,’ said Van Dijk. ‘December is the crucial month. Teams who go through that well, winning games and having no injuries, have a chance to be successful.’

Van Dijk reads the game so perfectly he is always two steps ahead. The tweaks Arne Slot has made to Liverpool’s set-up, with an added emphasis on possession, have accentuated his qualities. Critics insist Van Dijk has not been the same player since he ruptured a cruciate ligament in October 2020 but that is nonsense.

‘The injury he had was horrendous,’ said Robertson. ‘It was always going to take time to get back to his level. It was about getting his sharpness and fitness. Now, when he’s at his best he makes it look easy — but it’s not.’

A glowing endorsement and one that illustrates the work Liverpool have on their agenda to ensure a resolution is found to his contractual situation, with Van Dijk’s deal due to expire at the end of the season.

When you have the best in the business, why would you risk throwing it away?