Liverpool and Chelsea had to settle for a point as their first game of the 2023/24 season ended in a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Virgil van Dijk was leading the Reds for the first time since he was appointed as their new captain. The Netherlands international’s compatriot, Ian Maatsen, came off the bench for the Blues in the final quarter.
The Liverpool star had a chat with Viaplay, relayed by Voetbal Primeur, where he admitted to have held talks with the 21-year-old over his future at Chelsea.
Maatsen was on loan at Charlton Athletic, Coventry City and Burnley for the last three years. Van Dijk says another loan move has been ruled out the Chelsea player.
“It’s nice for him that he gets the chance in Chelsea’s first team. I asked him after the game if he would stay. It seems [he’ll stay]. Good for Oranje, good for the future. Good for Chelsea and Oranje,” the 32-year-old defender said.
Liverpool started the clash against Chelsea without a recognised defensive midfielder. Van Dijk was asked about the potential business Jürgen Klopp’s side could carry out before the window closes.
The Reds are expected to miss out on both Brighton & Hove Albion’s Moisés Caicedo and Southampton’s Roméo Lavia to Chelsea but Van Dijk isn’t worried.
“There has been a lot of talk about our signing policy. We are linked to every player in the world. Anyone who has even a bit of a verified profile can put a name out there… That is being hyped again. I trust the club. I trust it will work out,” Van Dijk explained.
