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This extension keeps the Dutch powerhouse potentially at Liverpool until he hits 35, closely chasing the footsteps of Mohamed Salah who also recently finalised his deal.

However, one Liverpool-supporting doctor has articulated unease regarding Van Dijk's injury history and sustained elite performance prospects.

While appreciating the news, Nye told the Daily Star: "Positionally, Van Dijk is at more risk of more serious injuries.



The way Liverpool plays, Van Dijk is high up the pitch and spends a significant amount of time in recovery runs.

"Defenders are significantly more likely to suffer ligament injuries in the knee and ankle and van Dijk has already suffered one serious cruciate ligament injury which sidelined him for nearly nine months.

Once you have one injury like this there is a higher likelihood of recurrence – look at Joe Gomez."

Even with his concerns, Dr Nye remains optimistic, yet he cautioned that recovery periods might be longer than those for Salah, who is younger and less susceptible to severe injuries due to his playing position.

"I hope and believe he will continue to be a solid defender and a key component in the team during his extension however, he is at a significantly higher risk of suffering career-ending injuries than Salah for example and any injury will have a longer recovery time due to his key position."

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For most pro footballers like Mo Salah, he will be playing three games a week for most of the season and in some pinch points like the Christmas season where the turn around is only a few days

The natural reserve of stem cells used to repair tissue runs out and so muscle injuries may appear more often and take longer to heal."

Essentially it's very individualistic and depends on the player's body, how they train, recover and heal