Liverpool told how 'surprising' Premier League star can replace Virgil van Dijk

Jose Fonte reckons that Newcastle defender Sven Botman would be a shrewd long-term replacement for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutchman, 33, has been a colossus since joining Liverpool from Southampton back in 2018 and has gone on to taste both Premier League and Champions League glory with the Reds.

Van Dijk, like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, is out of contract at the end of the season. That has led to speculation over his long-term future, although it's understood talks over a new deal are ongoing.

While Van Dijk could put pen to paper to extend his stay at Anfield, sourcing his long-term successor will soon be on the club's agenda - and Fonte feels the answer could be right under Liverpool's nose.

Speaking to BoyleSports, Fonte said: "Sven Botman really surprised me when I played alongside him, he was so young but had a strong mentality and he has continued to show that.

"He is at a very good club in Newcastle and is coming back from a long-term injury, he has shown how strong he is and I think when he is back to his best physically he will still improve. He is a left-footed centre back which all managers will be looking out for, and although Virgil van Dijk is right footed he plays on the left.

"Botman is so good at defending in duels and when he is on the ball he makes good decisions, I think he would be a very good option to replace Van Dijk at Liverpool and he has the ability to do it."

While Alexander-Arnold and Salah have been linked with big moves, Van Dijk hasn't been linked with as many big-name suitors. Fonte, though, thinks he'd flourish at one of Europe's leading lights.

He added: "Virgil van Dijk would thrive at Real Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern Munich and I wouldn't be shocked to see him at one of those clubs next season. Those clubs will be looking for defenders that are as reliable as Van Dijk and they will all be looking if he gets to the end of the season without signing a contract.

"He can still perform at the highest level and he has shown he can take care of himself. He will have no problem continuing at the highest level for another three or four years.

"Even if Van Dijk loses a bit of pace, he won't be slow. He will get even better in his positioning and his anticipation. He is undoubtedly one of the best defenders in the history of football."