Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is inside the final year of his Anfield deal but is relaxed about the situation

Virgil van Dijk says he is relaxed about his Liverpool contract status - but has hinted he is keen to extend his stay at Anfield.

The Reds captain signed a two-year extension in April 2025 but is now well inside the final term of that agreement, which has inevitably led to speculation over his long-term future.

Van Dijk turns 36 before the start of next season but has shown few signs of decline this term. Liverpool are now up to fourth in a Premier League campaign that has seen the captain play every minute.

The Dutchman says detailed conversations about a new deal are yet to begin with the club and his ROOF representatives but claims he is unconcerned at this juncture of the campaign.

"I feel good but it’s not about me at the moment," Van Dijk said. "Let’s see. I’m not in any panic whatsoever. I want to keep playing and continue what I’m doing.

"Let’s see what the season brings. I’ve had an amazing time already so far. If that will be extended, that’s the case.

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"If not, then I will go somewhere else. There’s nothing to report at the moment but that doesn’t mean that there’s any stress or anything.

"Mentally I’m in a good place. Physically I’ve been struggling with a little niggle the last couple of weeks but I do everything in my power to be out there.

"Today was a big game for us and I’m glad we got the three points. It’s been a progress. A work in progress. That’s how I feel about it."

Van Dijk was speaking after Sunday's 3-1 win over Crystal Palace that moved Andoni Iraola's side up to fourth in the Premier League.

Asked for an appraisal on how a new-look squad is shaping up under Iraola 10 games in, the defender added: "Some games we could have done much better that we won.

"And some games we lost but we were good. We’re trying to find consistency as that’s the only way to be successful.

"We have to keep going and learning from good moments and lesser good moments. We could have conceded early today but Ali helped us out. It was a very important day to just get the three points, no matter what. Glad we did that.

"The last game in Turkey (3-2 loss to Fenerbache), we were poor. We’re trying to get consistency and stay up there - not only by winning games but in how we play with the ball and how we defend.

"Some moments in games go very well but some moments, we need improvement and that’s what we work on each and every day and that’s what we all realise. Onto the next one."

Liverpool's win at Palace saw goalkeeper Alisson Becker make three outstanding saves to deny Daichi Kamada, Adam Wharton and Yeremy Pino and Van Dijk was full of praise for his long-time colleague.

The skipper said: "Ali was outstanding again. He helped us massively. Great save, especially the volley off Kamada.

"In the end, good defending for the offside goal too. We needed Ali today and he was outstanding. We’re glad to have him.

"Unfortunately we couldn’t keep the clean sheet but other than that, very pleased to get the three points.

"Winning games in the Premier League is always special as it’s never a given. You play against teams that make it so hard for each other. Three points in an away game always feels good."

Meanwhile, it was confirmed last night that Van Dijk has been ruled out by the Netherlands for their forthcoming UEFA Nations League matches.

The Dutch national team, who lead their group, are in action at home to Greece on Friday before finishing their schedule at Germany on Monday evening.

And they will have to do without both Van Dijk and Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey, with Netherlands head coach Xavi choosing not to call up any further players to his squad.

A statement from the Dutch football association on Monday said: "Virgil van Dijk and Brian Brobbey aren’t fit enough to feature in the upcoming Nations League matches. No replacements will be called up."