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Liverpool supporters have grown frustrated with a number of their most high-profile players this season after a stuttering start to the campaign.
There have been positive signs so far under Andoni Iraola, but some fundamental issues have also become clear, with players like Dominik Szoboszlai, Bradley Barcola and Florian Wirtz failing to live up to their billing.
The performances of legendary duo Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker have also come under the microscope, and fans were left unimpressed by both players after Liverpool’s midweek defeat to Fenerbahce in the Champions League. After that match, RTK asked fans on TalkingPoints to vote on whether Van Dijk and Alisson should extend their contracts with the Reds, or leave when they expire in 2027. Sadly, it looks as though supporters are ready for a brilliant defensive era at Anfield to come to an end.
At 35 and 34 respectively, it is perhaps to be expected that Van Dijk and Alisson have both dropped their levels a touch during a ninth full season with Liverpool. They have been so good for so long, but time catches up with every athlete eventually.
As things stand, it feels more likely that if either player stays on for another season or more, then it will be Van Dijk, but according to 47% of the more than 450 voters on TalkingPoints, the Dutchman should join Alisson in leaving at the end of the campaign.
Fans were given four options: Keep Van Dijk but get rid of Alisson, keep Alisson but get rid of Van Dijk, keep both, or let both go. For almost half to demand that the two legends leave says it all about the direction of travel here.
Having said that, the second most popular choice was to keep both players, with 30% of voters hoping to see extensions arrive for two of Liverpool’s best players of the last decade.
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kujabisamateh
It’s long over due to let both exit. Both had cost us trophies. Age is not on their side. Better replacements are around in numbers.
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If one player is to stay, supporters on TalkingPoints would prefer it to be Van Dijk, with 14% claiming that the Dutchman should carry on and sign a new deal while his Brazilian colleague departs.
There wasn’t too much in it, though, and 10% of fans voted for their preference at seeing Alisson in goal next season, but without Van Dijk ahead of him.
Although he was not great against Fenerbahce, or against Arsenal last weekend, Alisson has still had his moments for Liverpool this season. After virtually gifted the Gunners a goal on Sunday, for example, the Brazil international made a stunning save to deny Christos Tzolis.
If he goes, Liverpool look likely to put faith in Giorgi Mamardashvili, and that may largely be the reason some fans do not want to see Alisson go. He has been so good for so long, that whoever came in would probably be a drop-off in quality, and based on what he’s shown for the Reds so far, Mamardashvili certainly is.
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noelloftman
After spending an extraordinary amount on young players over the past 2 years i figure the rebuilding phase of the team had start, do why continue with ageing players? why not get rif of these olders player. You guys said Luiz Dias was old at 28 however you are contemping to extend 35 and 36 year olds. How ridiculous is that.
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Nevertheless, supporters should probably prepare to see the Georgian in goal on a more regular basis, because, as things stand, Liverpool do not look like they will extend Alisson’s reported £250k-per-week contract. He almost left for Juventus last season, and as he was reportedly keen on trying a new challenge, it seems probable that he will take that chance as a free agent next year.
Van Dijk’s situation is different, and though there has been frustration over some of his uncharacteristically sloppy performances this season, the captain remains an absolutely crucial member of the Liverpool squad.
With a reported wage of £350k-per-week, it will cost the Reds more to extend Van Dijk’s contract, but as they try and transition to a young pairing of Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, it makes sense to keep the No. 4 around for a little while longer.
Ultimately, what happens will probably be dictated by how well Alisson and Van Dijk play for the remainder of the season. If their levels do not improve, more fans – and Liverpool themselves – may decide that a departure is best for everyone. But if they return to looking like their old selves, more than a few of those demanding their exits will no doubt change their minds.
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