The way Virgil van Dijk put it on Sunday, a saga had the feel of a formality. “Everything that embodies Liverpool that is just part of me,” he said. A man with a claim to be Liverpool’s finest ever centre-back,

The Dutch centre back, 33, who has enjoyed a hugely successful spell at Anfield, has agreed to stay until 2027.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has signed a contract extension with the club to end the speculation over his future on Merseyside.