Doctor warns Van Dijk's new deal could backfire for Liverpool
Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk has signed a new two-year deal with the Reds, expressing his happiness and pride at committing his future to the club.
However, a doctor has raised concerns that the defender's new contract could be a risk for the team due to his position, injury record, and potential recovery time.
Van Dijk, who has been instrumental in Liverpool's success, said he was "so happy" to have extended his stay at Anfield. "It's a proud feeling, it's a feeling of joy. It's just incredible," he added.
Despite Van Dijk's enthusiasm, Dr. Gareth Nye, a biomedical science lecturer at the University of Salford, believes the defender is at a higher risk of serious injuries.
"Positionally, van Dijk is at more risk of more serious injuries," Dr. Nye said. "The way Liverpool play, van Dijk is high up the pitch and spends a significant amount of time in recovery runs."
Dr. Nye cited Van Dijk's previous serious cruciate ligament injury, which sidelined him for nearly nine months, as a concern.
"Once you have one injury like this, there is a higher likelihood of reoccurrence," he warned, drawing parallels with Liverpool teammate Joe Gomez.
While Dr. Nye hopes Van Dijk will continue to be a key component of the team, he emphasized that the defender's position and injury history make him more susceptible to career-ending injuries with longer recovery times.
