Van Dijk 'not in any panic' over contractpublished at 12:02 GMT
12:02 GMT
Aadam Patel Liverpool reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is "not in any panic" about his contract situation, with his current Anfield deal set to expire in the summer.
Van Dijk, who joined Liverpool in 2018, has played every minute in the Premier League this season and started three of their four Champions League games under Andoni Iraola.
But he isn't fit to feature in the Netherlands' upcoming Nations League matches against Greece and Germany and has withdrawn from the squad.
"I feel good but it's not about me at the moment. Let's see," said the 35-year-old defender.
"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. 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 past couple of weeks but I do everything in my power to be out there."
On how he assesses the season so far, with Liverpool fourth after 10 games but trailing league leaders Arsenal by nine points, Van Dijk added: "A work in progress.
"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."
🎧 The Red Kop: Alisson's futurepublished at 11:50 GMT
11:50 GMT
Media caption,
Is there any way Alisson is not Liverpool's goalkeeper next season?
The team on The Red Kop, from BBC Radio Merseyside, have been debating his future.
Mike Hughes thinks the Reds have "moved heaven and earth" to keep key names in recent years and will try to do so again given Alisson is an experienced player they "can rely on".
"You do want to keep your best players - Alisson is one of them", said Hughes.
Hear more from BBC Radio Merseyside on the matter above
Listen below to the full episode or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
Alisson proves critical in Palace winpublished at 11:50 GMT
11:50 GMT
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool fan Abigail Rudkin believes it is all coming together for the Reds as they beat Crystal Palace 3-1 at Selhurst Park before the international break.
She told BBC Sport: "Alisson Becker was my man of the match for the game against Crystal Palace.
"What a brilliant performance from Liverpool. At the end of the day, we put in a really good solid defensive performance.
"Alisson with worldie saves after worldie saves. He has been under some criticism recently, but he has proved he is still world-class and still top quality.
"He still should be starting games for Liverpool. He won us the game.
"It feels as though a lot of those forward players are starting to work well with each other. Florian Wirtz with an assist and a goal. We have waited for Wirtz to show up and he has arrived.
"I also think Alexander Isak looks like he has gained confidence. It is all starting to come together for Liverpool.
"It felt top quality, and we're in the top four, so that is all I was expecting from this season. Get the top four and into the Champions League places."
Analysis: A big call to let Alisson gopublished at 15:05 GMT 9 November
15:05 GMT 9 November
Aadam Patel Liverpool reporter
Media caption,
This is the first time Alisson has discussed his contract situation this season and, judging by the way he spoke after a superb performance at Selhurst Park, there is a clear desire on his part to stay at Liverpool.
Giorgi Mamardashvili, 26, is waiting in the wings, while highly rated 18-year-old Lucca Brughmans will move to Liverpool from Genk in the summer, so Andoni Iraola's side will not be short of goalkeeping options - but it would be a huge call if they do allow Alisson to leave on a free transfer.
His distribution has not been up to the standard we are used to in recent weeks, and that was ruthlessly punished against Arsenal, but the string of saves he made against Crystal Palace were a timely reminder that he is still a world-class goalkeeper.
This season, Liverpool have kept four clean sheets in 10 Premier League games but conceded 10 goals in four Champions League matches, with Alisson playing every minute in both competitions so far.
He is still a leader within the side and was named as one of Iraola's vice-captains at the start of the season.
Alisson did assess his options last season but with senior figures like Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson leaving, he opted to proceed with a one-year extension.
With Virgil van Dijk's contract also set to expire at the end of the season, sporting director Julian Ward has two very important decisions to make when it comes to the future of two men who have been a constant for Liverpool since 2018.
Of course, both command hefty wages, but this is a young Liverpool side trying to find their way under Iraola - and the head coach will be aware of the importance of two experienced players who have been with the club for such a long time.
Perhaps a one-year extension can be offered to Alisson which could allow Brughmans to learn from the Brazilian but, at 34, he may be looking for the security of something longer term.
Either way, Liverpool's hierarchy will have a keen eye on how Alisson fares as the season progresses. If he can carry on performing like he did against Palace, then a new contract will be a no-brainer.
Listen to Alisson's post match reaction to the win against Crystal Palace on BBC Sounds here
Crystal Palace 1-3 Liverpool - the fans' verdictpublished at 12:45 GMT 9 November
12:45 GMT 9 November
Media caption,
We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Crystal Palace and Liverpool.
Here are some of your comments:
Palace fans
Joe: Don't know what to say. Look good going forward, can't score. Three chances and three goals for them. I feel for Pierre Sage and the hand he has been dealt, but he must be able to get this team to be more defensive! I like him but it does feel like right manager, wrong time.
Paul: It's ironic that Sage is likely to be sacked after our best performance of the season, especially in the first half. Even a new manager is not keeping us up this season.
Steve: Defending doesn't seem to be high on Sage's priority list. While Palace played some nice football in patches, there was an inevitability about the scoreline. Sage seems completely unable to stop opposing teams driving through the defence like a knife through butter. This can't go on. Sadly, Sage's reign should surely come to an end, before it is too late.
Bob: We deserved to be bottom of the table in our previous games, but not with this performance. We played some very attractive football against Liverpool, but it's goals that win you the game. I'm always the first to criticise the Palace, but their football really impressed me and the defence also looked more solid. Axel Disasi and Tyrick Mitchell were outstanding. Please don't get rid of Sage yet as the whole team is working for him.
Liverpool fans
Jack: Great to see us playing well, especially after a disappointing past two games. Florian Wirtz looked really good and that goal and assist will do him the world of good. Alexander Isak continuing to thrive which is excellent to see. I am getting frustrated with Bradley Barcola's lack of goals but he's providing assists and his pace is exceptional on the counter. Alisson was amazing as well and was ridiculously unlucky to not keep a clean sheet. Well done Liverpool, keep it going when we face Manchester United please.
Paul: Liverpool are not going to win the league or the Champions League but there are some promising signs. I'd written off Alexis Mac Allister last season and assumed he was on his way out, but his return to top form is like getting a new signing and I love what I'm seeing from Trey Nyoni. He only came on for the last quarter but even then made a difference with forward passes, not sideways. Early days but could become a jewel in this Liverpool team.
Sam: I was starting to wonder if Alisson still has it, but if it wasn't for him, we wouldn't have won this game. I still think there's so much more to come from this team and really excited for what's to come if they find their groove.
Reece: Thought we played really well. After a disappointing result against Fenerbahce, we needed to win this. Good in possession, solid defensively, and very quick in the counter attacks. Took our goals really well. Unfortunate to concede late on, for me, was never a penalty. But all in all, a much better performance and result.
Alisson hopes for Liverpool staypublished at 12:17 GMT 9 November
12:17 GMT 9 November
Image source, Getty Images
Goalkeeper Alisson says his "agent is talking" with Liverpool and he hopes to stay beyond the end of this season, when his contract expires.
The 34-year-old was outstanding in Liverpool's latest win on Sunday, making a string of saves as they overcame Crystal Palace.
Afterwards, he confirmed his agent was in discussions and, when asked if he wanted to stay, he said: "Yes, in my mind. I'm focused on playing every game but in my mind I'm happy to stay. You know, that depends on a lot of aspects and different situations. But my will is to stay. I'm happy here, my family is happy here. I'm still hungry for titles and for delivering good performances. I still want to play at the top level for as long as I can. So that's my thinking on that."
A week before his superb display at Selhurst Park, Alisson was involved in the error that led to Arsenal's winner at Anfield.
The Reds followed that defeat with a loss at Fenerbahce in the Champions League.
In discussing their season under Andoni Iraola so far, Alisson said: "I think you have to manage all of the situations. When you are doing well, you need to control a little bit the excitement so you don't get overexcited. Our reality is that we're not doing as well as we can. It doesn't mean that we are not doing well - we are doing well in so many games - but the consistency is not there yet.
"The moment for us is to control the frustration that the defeats bring and stay with a clear mind and looking for the quality in our team. We have a top manager, top players. We are capable of great things but as a team we need to get to a point where we feel: 'We are okay now. We have the confidence. We have everything that's needed to win'.
"We are building that. I hope we get there really quick but it takes time. We have to be patient but we players, in our mind, we don't have time to waste. We want to win, we want to be Premier League champions, Champions League champions, League Cup champions, FA Cup champions. We want to win everything with this club because this is special and it's what we're here for."
Gossip: Liverpool among clubs monitoring defender De Winterpublished at 08:49 GMT 9 November
08:49 GMT 9 November
Both Liverpool and on-loan Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo plan to wait until the end of the season before deciding whether to turn the 27-year-old's move from Barcelona into a permanent switch for £47m. (Sport - in Spanish), external
Analysis: Reds' road run continuespublished at 18:17 GMT 8 November
18:17 GMT 8 November
Charlotte Coates BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool's superpower has so often been Anfield, but this season it seems they have been more comfortable playing away from home.
Andoni Iraola's side have now won four on the bounce away from Merseyside and are unbeaten - with their two league defeats coming at Anfield.
The Reds have not looked close to top gear under their Spanish boss but they enter the second international break just four points adrift of second-placed Brighton.
But the frailties still remain clear. Alisson was the Reds' best player on an afternoon where past Liverpool teams would have relished playing against a Palace side lacking in confidence.
The Brazil keeper was forced into making a number of quality saves and also had to watch Pino's effort bounce off the woodwork.
But a win is a win and Iraola will be delighted with another three points to build on as the international break arrives.
Crystal Palace 1-3 Liverpool: What Iraola saidpublished at 16:42 GMT 8 November
16:42 GMT 8 November
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Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola, speaking to Sky Sports: "It was an important win for us going into the international break after the week we've had.
"Also, we arrived very late Thursday night from Turkey so - I know they also played - it was important to finish with a win.
"First half we struggled a little bit defensively but after we closed the game quite well even if I'm a little bit upset with the last penalty."
On timing of the first goal: "It was a key moment of the game. We deserved before this season so score from these lateral free-kicks. Alexis [Mac Allister] at arriving for those at the first post and it was at the moment we were have chances, they were having chances, it was quite level.
"To go to the changing room 1-0 was massive."
On Florian Wirtz: "Very pleased, I think he's done a very good job today. It's a lovely goal, the movement from Alex [Isak] to make the space behind for the finish, the assist from Bradley. I think it's a great situation and I'm happy for him."
On Alisson: "Especially in the first half at 0-0, he had a brilliant intervention. It was massive because, in these types of games, whoever scores first is important. In that moment, he did very well."
On Palace's penalty: "I am very upset because the ones in our box they are calling penalties and in the other box they are now. I know we are 3-0 and it's the 95th minute but I'm very upset.
"It's a head to head but even then it's Osario to Milos [Kerkez]. It's a clash of heads. You can say it's 3-0 but, for me, there is more because it is not the first time this season and you compare... I'm really upset.
"The VAR took a lot of time. When you call a penalty and they are two minutes. Two repetitions, three repetitions, they are finding a way not to be called by the VAR. A clean sheet is not cheap in the Premier League and we wanted to win 3-0.
"It is not just because of this penalty, it's because of a lot of things."
On confidence taken from the win: "You want to finish with a win. It puts us in a better position but we need to keep improving.
"Now we are all praying because the last international break we lost three players and now, it is the last thing we need. I hope everything goes well and we don't lose anyone this time."
Crystal Palace 1-3 Liverpool: How the players ratedpublished at 16:22 GMT 8 November
16:22 GMT 8 November
Media caption,
Liverpool starting XI:
Alisson: Made a stunning reaction save to deny Kamada, shortly before Liverpool took the lead, and plenty of crucial saves after. Back to his best. 9
Ronald Araujo: Stuggled against Tyrick Mitchell and Yeremy Pino and picked up an early booking but was involved in the second goal. 6
Virgil van Dijk: Made a solid block to deny Jorgen Strand Larsen and was solid but will be annoyed at Liverpool's failure to keep a clean sheet. 8
Jeremy Jacquet: Much better defensively after having a poor game against Fenerbahce. Nearly scored just before half-time. 7
Milos Kerkez: Constantly pushed up but his final delivery wasn't good enough. Dealt well with the threat posed by Kamada and Mingueza. Conceded the penalty. 6
Alexis Mac Allister: Came close with a header early on and shortly after, scored his first Premier League goal of the season with a great header. 7
Dominik Szoboszlai: Got the assist for Mac Allister and was influential, particularly with his passing range. Could have had three assists in the first-half alone. 7
Cody Gakpo: Unlucky with his pull-back early on and always ensured Liverpool had an outlet down the flanks. 6
Florian Wirtz: Pressed really well and after an average first-half, finished nicely for his first Premier League goal of the season. Got the assist for Isak too. 8
Bradley Barcola: Looked dangerous but missed a sitter when he blazed over from close range. Got the assist for Wirtz after a good run down the right. 7
Alexander Isak: Looked on it from the outset. Made a smart run for Wirtz's goal and persisted well to get his goal late on. Now has seven in the league this season. 7
Liverpool substitutes:
Nyoni (on 69, Szoboszlai): Didn't put a foot wrong. 6
Munoz (on 69, Barcola): Booked for diving. 5
Ngumoha (on 76, Gakpo):
Araujo (on 90, Gomez):
Koumas (on 90, Isak):
Subs not used: Mamardashvili, Endo, Tsimikas, McConnell.
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Sutton's predictions: Crystal Palace v Liverpoolpublished at 11:08 GMT 8 November
11:08 GMT 8 November
Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage was not helped by Jean-Philippe Mateta's sending-off in their defeat by Tottenham and the Eagles striker will miss this game after they failed with their appeal to overturn the decision.
Whether you thought that was a red card or not, you feel for Sage because he is coming under a lot of pressure and a lot of Palace's problems are not his fault - he took charge at a difficult time.
Aston Villa hit the Turkish side for six a couple of weeks ago, but Liverpool struggled to keep them quiet and Palace might feel they can pick the Reds off in the same way.
Liverpool won't change the way they play under Andoni Iraola, so they will try to be aggressive with their press but are likely to be left open again if Palace get past it.
I don't see that happening this time, though, mostly because Palace have been so poor.
Liverpool were leaky against Fenerbahce, but I am going for them to keep a clean sheet here and get a sneaky away win, with Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola getting their goals.
Crystal Palace v Liverpool: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 13:36 GMT 7 November
13:36 GMT 7 November
Paul Birch BBC Sport journalist
Struggling Crystal Palace welcome a Liverpool side to Selhurst Park who have lost their past two fixtures. BBC Sport takes a look at some of the key themes going into Sunday's game.
Pierre Sage must be cursing his luck. The embattled Palace boss watched any pre-match plans against Tottenham go up in smoke when Jean-Philippe Mateta was sent off after just 13 minutes.
What followed was extreme one-way traffic as Sage's side had a mere two shots to Tottenham's 34, two touches in the opposition box to 67, an xG of 0.14 to 3.26 and had to try to survive on just 21% possession.
They have slipped into the bottom three, which tends to happen if you lose three matches in a row by an aggregate score of 9-0, and have conceded the most goals of any top-flight side.
Their poor form in 2026 as a whole has seen them lose the most games (15) and concede the most goals (52), as well as winning the joint fewest games (six) and scoring the joint fewest goals (29) of any ever-present team.
The Eagles have also faced 79 shots more than they have had this season - the widest margin of any Premier League side. Only three teams in the past seven campaigns have had as big a differential after nine games and all three of them went on to be relegated (Sheffield United in 2023-24, Leicester in 2024-25 and Burnley last season).
One particular defensive flaw that needs ironing out is conceding from headers. The two Tottenham scored took Palace's tally this season to six, twice as many as any other side.
At least they will be buoyed by their recent record against Liverpool. After 10 straight top-flight defeats, Palace have lost just three of their past eight encounters and during one of their four meetings last season secured a home league win versus the Reds for the first time since 2014.
Liverpool looking to bounce back after bad week
Having lost just one of his first 13 matches in charge of Liverpool, Andoni Iraola has seen his side suffer back-to-back defeats.
He cut a figure of frustration during their 3-2 defeat to Fenerbahce and described the goals they conceded - all of which were via set-pieces - as "cheap" and "messy". It meant they have let in three goals in three successive European matches for the first time.
A first home defeat by Arsenal in 14 years was also a cause of annoyance. They didn't play badly, but it was the first time they failed to record a shot on target in 442 Premier League matches at Anfield since records began in 2003-04.
It also extended the gap between Iraola's side and the Gunners to nine points after nine games.
While they have managed just one win and scored only four goals in their five home league matches, life has been much better on the road. Only Arsenal can beat their tally of 10 away points, while Nottingham Forest (83%) are the only side to have won a higher share of their points on their travels than Liverpool's 67%.
Taking into account fixtures with former club Bournemouth, Iraola is unbeaten in all 13 of his Premier League away games in 2026, with his last loss coming at Brentford in December 2025. The only managers to go unbeaten in 14 or more games from the start of a calendar year are Sir Alex Ferguson (14 in 1999), Jose Mourinho (14 in 2005) and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (15 in 2021).
Iraola has been cautious with his squad selections thus far. No top-flight side has used fewer players than their 20, while only four players have scored a league goal so far (excluding own goals).
Image source, Getty Images
