Liverpool fans have been celebrating the news that captain Virgil van Dijk is staying at the club after the captain signed a new deal on Thursday.

There had long been speculation over Van Dijk’s future, with the centre-back careering towards the end of his contract in the summer.

But with that talk all now put to bed, Liverpool fans know they can look forward to at least two more years of the Dutchman anchoring their defence.

While Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are going nowhere, though, there have been worries about other members of the Liverpool squad.

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One of those to be linked with a transfer away from Anfield has been Ryan Gravenberch.

After a superb season with the Reds, Gravenberch’s agent has suggested a move to Real Madrid could be on the cards.

But after what Arne Slot said about Van Dijk’s behaviour towards Gravenberch on Friday, it’s clear that Liverpool cannot afford to let the midfielder leave.

Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images

Few people saw Gravenberch becoming one of the best midfielders in the Premier League this season.

If that is the case, then having a countryman as his captain must play a part as well.

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And judging by what Slot has now said about the dynamic between Van Dijk and Gravenberch, it’s clear that the Liverpool skipper is well aware of just how good his national team colleague can become with a little guidance.

“The leader he is in and around the training centre, that is something I haven’t worked with a player like him,” Slot said of Van Dijk during his pre-Leicester City press conference.

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“The energy he brings to the team in every single training session and how professional he is, for himself but also he tries to influence his teammates, especially the younger ones.

“I think Ryan is a good example of that, he’s constantly on him, trying to make him even more of a professional than Ryan already is.

But Ryan wasn’t used to playing so many games so he’s constantly on him.”

It’s clear that in by giving him special attention, Van Dijk is trying to coax the absolute best out of Gravenberch.

This season, it has absolutely worked.

Part of the added benefit of Van Dijk staying at Liverpool is that he can now help continue this kind of thing into the future.

Gravenberch is a special talent, but it’s obvious that he does need this kind of extra attention in order to become what he can eventually be.

In that sense, with Real Madrid seemingly lurking, Van Dijk can help to keep Gravenberch on an upward trajectory and hopefully ensure he remains happy at Anfield.

Virgil clearly sees the potential in Gravenberch and that he can reach even greater heights.