Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson has admitted that Reds captain Virgil van Dijk is a "priceless" asset for Arne Slot - as he compared his influence in the dressing room to former Anfield skipper Graeme Souness.

Alongside fellow Liverpool stalwarts Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the center-back will be free to depart the club for nothing at the end of the campaign.

Comparing Van Dijk's influence in the dressing room to Liverpool legend Souness, Lawrenson recalled the almighty void that the Scotsman's exit left when he departed the club for Sampdoria back in 1984.

The ex-Match of the Day pundit, who won three league championships and the European cup alongside Souness, exclusively told Liverpool.com: "Graeme, for me was just behind Kenny in terms of what he did in the team.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is yet to sign a new Liverpool contract.

You're losing five players who are top, top players."

"But this is the first time ever that nothing's come out of the club.

So I think Slot's job, from being a job that was absolutely fantastic to take, is becoming very, very difficult."

As for Alexander-Arnold, Lawrenson is convinced that his former employers would miss the right-back if he was to depart his boyhood club at the end of the term