Liverpool FC Thread #166:- Intensity is our Identity

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Before Steven Gerrard arrived at Rangers, the club hadn't qualified for a European competition in seven years..

He's just taken them to the last 16 of the Europa League

Congratulations, Steven Gerrard

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Alisson Becker has his hands on the Samba Gold award

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Liverpool are to make Virgil van Dijk the world's best paid defender with a bumper new deal for the Dutchman this summer according to reports.

The Daily Mirror say that the Dutchman – who is reigning PFA Player of the Year – will be the latest leading Reds star to be rewarded for their amazing performances on the pitch after front three Mohamed Salah , Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino all penned lucrative new contracts over the past year.

Van Dijk became the world's most-expensive defender when he joined Liverpool for £75million in January 2018 – after the Reds previously dropped their interest and issued an apology for an approach in the previous transfer window – although that price has subsequently been eclipsed by £80million Manchester United paid Leicester City for Harry Maguire last summer.

Since Van Dijk came to Anfield, he has helped transform Jurgen Klopp's side from being mere contenders – they were beaten in the Champions League final in his first season but finished 25 points behind Manchester City in the Premier League in fourth position – to the most-dominant side in the global game.

Helped by another major defensive reinforcement in the shape of Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson , last season's Champions League success has been followed up the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup this season while Liverpool, unbeaten in the Premier League having won 26 of their 27 matches to date, are closing in on their first League Championship for 30 years and with a biggest-ever lead at the summit need just 12 more points to clinch the title.

The article says that such record-breaking success – on and off the pitch ( turnover year on year increased by £78million to £533million ) – has given the Reds the financial muscle to match the biggest payers in world football.

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The Premier League will hold talks on what to do about the title if coronavirus concerns cut the football season short.

Liverpool are currently 22 points clear at the top of the table.

Just four more wins would guarantee the Reds a first domestic championship since 1990.

But the spread of coronavirus around the world is already having an impact on major sporting events.

The disease, which can cause severe lung issues, has now reached at least 40 countries since it was first detected in China late last year.

Some Serie A matches will be played behind closed doors this weekend after a spate of confirmed cases in Italy.

And today, the Swiss league postponed a raft of upcoming fixtures as part of a national policy limiting events which could see more than 1000 people gather together.

Speculation in the national media this afternoon suggested there is "no guarantee" Liverpool would be crowned champions if the English campaign was curtailed before the Reds won the league.

The ECHO contacted the Premier League to ask about those reports.

It is understood that no rule in the Premier League Handbook prescribes what happens next should a campaign be brought to a premature end.

But while the governing body would consider all options if the season had to halt, the feeling from within is that the range of possible solutions would be vast - and everything is still at a hypothetical stage.

Since the initial coronavirus outbreak, discussions have been ongoing at a high level in the organisation.

And, if needed, the Premier League Board would make a call on how to settle the top flight standings.

The Premier League is continuing to monitor the situation while taking the latest advice from the Government.

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FT: Watford 3-0 Liverpool
Liverpool lose their first Premier League game of the season following an Ismaila Sarr double and a goal from Troy Deeney.