"He really runs that team" - Mark Lawrenson names most important Liverpool player among Van Dijk, Salah and Alexander-Arnold

Mark Lawrenson has named Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk as the club's most important player ahead of Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The Merseysiders have had an excellent start under Arne Slot this season, sitting at the top of the league table. While the Reds seem in impressive form under their new manager, they will have some issues to address next summer.

Van Dijk, Salah, and Alexander-Arnold, who have been integral to Liverpool's success during Jurgen Klopp's reign, all have contracts that are set to expire in June 2025.

However, concrete talks over an extension are yet to take place and the trio's future at Anfield remains uncertain. Mark Lawrenson has urged his former club to prioritize extending Van Dijk's deal, emphasizing the importance of his leadership in the team.

He told Sports Casting (via The Mirror):

“I think the most important player of the three that Liverpool need to sign on is Virgil van Dijk. It’s not just about his playing ability, but what he gives the team in the dressing room and his leadership qualities on the pitch."

“He really runs that team and would be a massive miss. We’ve seen Liverpool struggle to cover that center-back spot when one of them gets injured in the past, so it’ll benefit them in the long term if he stays at the club longer."

The Merseysiders will next face Bologna in the UEFA Champions League at Anfield on Wednesday (2 October).

Mark Lawrenson predicts where Liverpool will finish this season

Mark Lawrenson has predicted a second-place finish for the Reds this season. The pundit believes Slot's men will finish above Manchester City but does not see Arsenal losing the title race.

The Reds were in great form under Jurgen Klopp last season and were in the throes of a heated three-horse title race against the Gunners and the Cityzens. However, they dropped points towards the end of the campaign against the likes of Manchester United, Crystal Palace, and Everton.

This term, they've enjoyed a strong start and are currently leading the league by a point. Despite their form so far, Lawrenson does not see the Merseysiders lifting the title this season.

He said:

“Liverpool will finish second for me - ahead of Manchester City. I just look at City and they’ve got all sorts of problems, both on and off the pitch. Arsenal on the other hand look hungry and mean. They really believe this is their year and I think it’ll be tough to finish above them.”