Rio Ferdinand shares hidden Virgil van Dijk importance to Liverpool amid Jarell Quansah concerns

TNT Sports pundits and have both hailed , stressing the importance of the skipper .

Wednesday evening saw , with a goal seeing side past RB Leipzig. And against the Bundesliga side, Van Dijk impressed once again for the Reds.

The 33-year-old Liverpool captain is out of contract in the summer, alongside teammates Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who have also been in excellent form for the Reds this term. Recently, Van Dijk revealed he and Liverpool had entered into talks about a new deal that would see him extend his stay on Merseyside after having arrived back in 2018 from Southampton.

And speaking on TNT Sports, ex-Liverpool midfielder McManaman and Ferdinand detailed just why he was so important to Slot's side, with the former adding it would be difficult for Jarell Quansah to come in as his replacement next season.

McManaman said: "It goes without saying, they need to keep him because they haven't got anyone else. If they let him go at the end of the season, Liverpool has to buy someone.

"It would be very difficult for Jarell Quansah to come in and play alongside Ibrahima Konate, and Liverpool keep the same level. It is incredibly important that the captain, role model and leader at the back stays.

And Ferdinand was in complete agreement with McManaman. The ex-Man United defender said: "I think he is the most important out of the three, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah. There are other factors away from the pitch where his importance is huge. He is irreplaceable."

Liverpool.com says: "We can't disagree with either McManaman or Ferdinand on this occasion. Van Dijk's importance to Liverpool is clear for everyone to see and it is exactly why the Reds must resolve his contract situation before it gets to the stage he can talk to other clubs in January. Finding a defender to replace Van Dijk right now would prove costly even with Quansah waiting in the wings."