Virgil van Dijk tells Liverpool what 'must' happen when Andy Robertson leaves

Virgil van Dijk has had his say on the Liverpool ticket price protests that took place at Anfield on Saturday, while also speaking on the departure of Andy Robertson

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk during the Premier League game against Fulham(Image: ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images)

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says fans are well within their rights to make their voices heard after the Reds confirmed their intention to increase ticket prices from next season.

Fans opted to take flags off The Kop and a "Not a pound in the ground" campaign was also in place, encouraging people not to give the club any more money. In the first half of the victory over Fulham, a banner emerged to applause from around the stadium reading "No to ticket price increases".

"I think the fans are the heart and soul of the club," Van Dijk told reporters. "If they feel like this, then protest is their fair right. Hopefully they come to a solution with the club. These things are far above my position as captain of the club.

"But my opinion is that our fans are the club. They always have been — before my time and after my time. It's important that these things get solved because it benefits no one."

Liverpool picked up a vital win in the race for the Champions League places, with Rio Ngumoha and Mohamed Salah scoring.

And Andy Robertson played well too, a few days after confirming that he would be leaving Liverpool in the summer, following on from a similar announcement from Salah during the international break.

Robertson, of course, is currently the Liverpool vice-captain, but he wants to leave in search of more regular game time, having been overtaken by Milos Kerkez this season.

Andy Robertson will leave Liverpool this summer(Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

"Very special," Van Dijk said of the Scot. "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."

It should not be played down how good a full-back Robertson remains, and there will be no shortage of suitors for him when he does depart. But he will also leave a big hole in terms of experience and leadership.

With Salah departing at the same time and Alisson Becker and Van Dijk only under contract at Anfield until 2027, there is set to be a changing of the guard in that department, offering a chance for others to step up.

"It's not an opportunity, it's a must," Van Dijk said. "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."