- Van Dijk hails ‘special’ Robertson
- Scotsman announced decision to leave this summer
- Liverpool captain focused on remaining matches
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has paid a special tribute to Andy Robertson after the left-back announced his decision ot leave at the end of the season.
Fans were just starting to recover from Mohamed Salah’s decision to leave when Robertson made a similar announcement. The left-back has decided to bring an end ot his 9-year career at the club, months after the club rejected an offer from Tottenham for him.
The 32-year-old revealed that he was close to leaving last summer and once again in January, but opted to stay as the club needed him. He said that there was an honest conversation about his time on the pitch, and it was a mutual decision to call it a time at the end of the season.
Van Dijk was among the Liverpool players who paid tribute on social media after the announcement, and the Dutchman has now told the club what they need to do in the summer.
Van Dijk hails Andy Robertson
Van Dijk has hailed Robertson as one of the best left-backs ever in the Premier League, adding that the Reds were going to miss him from next season. He added that the Scotsman was a special character and is confident that he will deliver on the pitch in the remaining matches this season. He said:
“Very special. He’s always been on my left-hand side on the pitch. Off the pitch, we also have such a good relationship. We’ve been through so many things together — highs, lows. He’s a special character. Above all, he’s been an unbelievable player and still is in my opinion. One of the best left-backs in the Premier League ever. The club is definitely going to miss him, but we still have the last part of the season to play, and then we’ll see what happens in the summer.”
Van Dijk and Robertson have played 295 matches together, with the 2-0 win over Fulham on Saturday, April 11, being the latest. They have won the Premier League title twice and added one UEFA Champions League medal to their tally.
Van Dijk tells Liverpool to build for the future
Van Dijk will be entering the final year of his contract at Anfield this summer, with Alisson on the same boat. He has urged the club to use the situation to build for the future, saying that they need to bring in the next set so that the old guard can pass the torch properly next season.
“It’s not an opportunity, it’s a must. It has to happen. There was always going to be a time when the oldies were going to leave. That’s the time for others to step up and carry the torch and the values of the club forward by setting the right example. All good things come to an end eventually. When the leadership group is gone, then others have to step up. There is no other option. You have to feel that responsibility.”
With Salah and Robertson leaving, and the likes of Wataru Endo, Federico Chiesa, and Joe Gomez linked with exits, the third most experienced player in the Liverpool squad next season could well be Alexis Mac Allister, who will be entering the final two years of his contract at the club.
In terms of age, Freddie Woodman will also be in the mix, but the goalkeeper has played just once for the Reds, while his best stint has come for Preston North End, where he played 138 times.
