Arne Slot has been warned that Virgil van Dijk 'must be moved on' for struggling Liverpool to 'progress next season'. Liverpool were widely tipped to retain their Premier League title this season after dominating in Slot's first year at Anfield. But the Reds endured a miserable campaign, finishing fifth – 25 points behind new champions Arsenal – and failing to win any trophies. Liverpool's poor form looked set to cost Slot his job, but club bosses have surprisingly decided to keep faith in the Dutchman.
Slot Under Pressure
Slot will face immediate pressure to improve results next season. However, England hero Chris Waddle doubts that will happen unless club legend Van Dijk is 'moved on'. Van Dijk has been one of the best defenders in the world over the past decade, helping Liverpool win two Premier League titles, the Champions League, and three domestic cups. This season, like many teammates, the 34-year-old was not at his best as Liverpool conceded 53 goals – 26 more than champions Arsenal.
Waddle's Advice
While Waddle believes Van Dijk is past his best, he has urged Liverpool to activate a buy-back option for Jarell Quansah, sold to Bayer Leverkusen last summer. Quansah signed a five-year contract at Leverkusen, but Liverpool can re-sign the 23-year-old England international for around £52m. 'The biggest problem with Liverpool for me this season has been their centre-halves,' Waddle told BoyleSports. 'Virgil Van Dijk has been a great player for Liverpool. I wouldn't knock the career he's had but if Liverpool are looking to progress next season they have to move him on.'
Waddle added: 'It maybe would have been better for them had he gone this season. I'm still surprised they let Jarell Quansah go to Bayer Leverkusen. They could have signed Marc Guehi last summer but he went to Manchester City in January. Ibrahima Konate has found it really hard this season but Joe Gomez is a good centre-half when he's fit, he just never plays there.'
Waddle concluded: 'They've got the option to buy back the lad Quansah from Leverkusen and they've got to take it this summer, and if they can keep Joe Gomez fit then you can go and find a really top centre-half and that will help Liverpool.'
