Ex-teammate backs Virgil van Dijk to 'thrive' at Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich | OneFootball

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been tipped to "thrive" at Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, were he to leave the Premier League leaders this summer at the conclusion of his contract.

The 33-year-old put in another colossal performance on Wednesday night to help a rampant Reds devour Tottenham 4-0 in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie, scoring the final goal to put the cherry on top of an exceptionally well-iced cake.

Van Dijk's latest masterclass continues what's been a fine individual season for the Dutchman, who has dispelled any notion that his ability may be on the decline by helping Liverpool go nine points clear at the top of the Premier League in addition to topping the Champions League standings and reaching the Carabao Cup final for the second year in a row.

His continued fine form is all the more significant because his Liverpool contract is up at the end of the season. Currently, there has been no agreement reached over an extension – though you'd imagine an offer will surely be forthcoming – and Van Dijk admitted in the aftermath of the game that he has "no idea" what the future will bring.

Some of Europe's biggest clubs have been tipped to move for Van Dijk, knowing this is a rare opportunity to pick up one of the world's best footballers on a free transfer. And his former Southampton teammate, Jose Fonte, sees no reason why he wouldn't be able to slot in at the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, all of whom have been mentioned as potential destinations.

"Van Dijk would thrive at Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, and I would not be surprised to see him at one of those clubs next season," Fonte told Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo.

Fonte and Van Dijk formed a strong partnership at Southampton / Catherine Ivill - AMA/GettyImages

"I would not be surprised to see him at one of those clubs next season because those clubs will be looking for defenders as reliable as Van Dijk, and everyone will be watching if he reaches the end of the season without signing a new contract.

"He can still play at the highest level and has shown that he can take care of himself. He will have no problem maintaining that level for three or four more years."

Fonte added that Van Dijk is "one of the best defenders in football history" while he also suggested that a decline in pace would have no impact on his overall game as he'll instead "improve even further in his positioning and anticipation."

Whatever Van Dijk's decision, his status as a Liverpool legend is already secure. His Anfield achievements include over 300 appearances in all competitions, eight major trophies – including the Premier League and Champions League – a PFA Players' Player of the Year award and a place in the PFA Team of the Year on four separate occasions.