Liverpool receive ‘huge boost’ after major decision made on medical grounds | OneFootball

Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk has been released from international duty and will return to the club.

The Reds centre-back will not travel for the Netherlands’ last Nations League game against Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Van Dijk has been in imperious form for Liverpool. He has started in all the Premier League games and played a major role as Liverpool maintained the best defensive record in the league.

Ronald Koeman has said that the decision to let Van Dijk leave has been “made on medical grounds”. Van Dijk played in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Hungary in Amsterdam as the Dutch team secured second place in their group.

Massive boost for Liverpool

The news will come as a “huge boost” for Liverpool, and an early return for the Reds skipper means he will have more time to recuperate.

Liverpool will face Southampton next in the Premier League at St Mary’s after the international break.

After that, the Reds will face Real Madrid, Manchester City, Newcastle and Everton in a run of games that could test their squad depth and character.

Van Dijk, widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the Premier League, has scored one goal and provided one assist for the Reds this season.

He has made 4.3 clearances and 1.8 interceptions and managed 91.4% passing accuracy for Liverpool in the Premier League, per Whoscored.

Liverpool must keep Van Dijk at all costs

Van Dijk has only a few months left on his current deal at Anfield, and he is open to signing a pre-contract with a foreign club in January.

Liverpool usually do not entertain the idea of extending contracts of players who are over 30, but an exception can be made for a player who is showing no signs of ageing.

In fact, along with Mohamed Salah, he is getting better with age, and Liverpool must do everything they can to keep him.

Van Dijk said last month that talks over a new deal have been discussed, but he has no idea what the outcome will be.