Liverpool told scary Virgil van Dijk reality after Nottingham Forest performance

Virgil van Dijk continues to be vital player for Liverpool and impressed against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, despite the Dutchman approaching his 35th birthday

Virgil van Dijk was praised on Sunday(Image: Getty Images)

Arne Slot and Liverpool have been reminded just how difficult it will be to replace Virgil van Dijk when he leaves Anfield.

Van Dijk produced another solid display on Sunday, helping Liverpool keep a clean sheet and beat Nottingham Forest. The Reds snatched a late winner at the City Ground thanks to Alexis Mac Allister's last-gasp goal, which was awarded after a VAR check.

Van Dijk is still regarded as one of the best defenders in the Premier League, having barely missed a second in the competition this season. Yet the Netherlands international will turn 35 in July, while his contract on Merseyside will expire in June 2027.

The Reds were reminded of the scary reality — that Van Dijk won't be around forever — by former Chelsea player Pat Nevin.

"Virgil van Dijk is such a class act," said Nevin while commentating on Sunday's game for BBC Radio 5 Live. "You think when he leaves, he'll be so difficult to replace, and he's easily been the best player in white (the away kit) for Liverpool today."

Van Dijk has been a key player for Liverpool since arriving in January 2018. He's helped the Reds win two Premier League titles, two Carabao Cups, the Champions League, the FA Cup, the Community Shield, the European Super Cup, and the Club World Cup.

Van Dijk will turn 35 later this year(Image: Getty Images)

The Dutchman has made more than 350 appearances for the Reds. The only time he's missed an extended period of time since his arrival on Merseyside was during the 2020-21 season, when he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

Speaking of injuries, Florian Wirtz picked up one during the warm-up before Sunday's game. "We tried it in the warm-up, and he wasn't able to play," said Slot at full-time. "The good thing is there is a week to go until the next game."

On his team's win, Slot added: "If you score in the last minute, there's always an element of luck. But so many times this season, we've experienced the opposite.

"A draw would have been a fairer result than a win for us.

"If we rely on one player, then things are not good, but that is not the case. Someone else has to do the job. The first half was difficult because Forest played well, and they have good players.

"I wanted more control over their midfield. I highlighted how well they played, but we lost every ball. The only part of the game was defending inside the box. We had to defend a lot of set pieces. We stayed in the game.

"We took over the game in the second half, maybe because they played on Thursday.

"We scored twice, and I would not have been shocked if both goals were ruled out, but maybe our luck is turning."