Van Dijk: Alisson leaving Liverpool would be a 'big blow'

  /  autty

Virgil van Dijk conceded it will be a "big blow" if goalkeeper Alisson were to leave Liverpool this summer.

Alisson joined Liverpool from Roma in 2018, and has helped the Reds win two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the EFL Cup and FA Cup.

The Brazilian has played 254 Premier League games for Liverpool. Since he made his debut in the competition, only Hugo Lloris (72.5%) and David Raya (72.7%) can better Alisson's 72.1% save ratio among top-flight goalkeepers with at least 50 appearances in that time.

Alisson has kept 103 Premier League clean sheets, trailing only Ederson (106) since the start of the 2018-19 season.

The 33-year-old has made 34 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool this season, though he has spent time on the sidelines due to injury, and there has been speculation he could join fellow stalwarts Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson in departing Anfield.

"Listen, there is always going to be a day when you go," Van Dijk said, as reported by ESPN.

"But if it's going to happen, and I have no idea about it and I don't think, at this point, he has an idea about it, then we will, as a club, adapt to that.

"We have been through everything together, positive things and some negative things unfortunately as well, so it would definitely be a big blow and a miss but I don't think, for me, it's a good idea to think ahead about what could or could not happen.

"He's very important for me as one of the leaders in the team and I think he is very important on the pitch because I think he is the best goalkeeper in the world."

However, Van Dijk is relaxed over the situation.

"He's trying to be back as soon as possible to help us for the last four games and that's our main focus. Whatever happens after that is not something you should ask me," he added.

"Would I love him to stay? Of course, there's no doubt about that.

"Everyone can feel a certain way about it. There are rumours but if there is anything concrete then we will all find out but, for me, I'm never worried."

Liverpool are fifth in the Premier League, and while they have had an underwhelming season, they are close to securing Champions League qualification.

They take on rivals Manchester United on Sunday.

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