Virgil van Dijk Predicts When Liverpool Will Win Premier League Title

Reds Captain Expects Title to Be Wrapped Up Soon — Whether It’s Them or Palace Who Finish the Job

As far as title races go, this one’s felt more like a one-horse procession than a neck-and-neck thriller. After months of dominance, grit, and more than a few gritty 1-0 wins, Liverpool are now just one game — or one slip-up from their closest rivals — away from being crowned Premier League champions once again. And Virgil van Dijk, the club’s captain and defensive rock, is already bracing for the moment.

Speaking after Sunday’s hard-fought 1-0 win away at Leicester City, Virgil Van Dijk admitted that the title is now so close he can practically feel the trophy’s weight in his hands. But he’s not popping champagne corks just yet. Instead, the Dutchman is playing it cool — waiting to see if Arsenal hand them the title first.

“I expect Arsenal to win at home but, yeah, if it doesn’t happen then I think it would be nice to be together,” Virgil Van Dijk said, already picturing a team celebration if the Gunners slip up against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night. “However that may look, we will discuss in the next couple of days.”

There’s a quiet confidence about Virgil Van Dijk — the kind that only comes from knowing the job is more or less done. Liverpool sit three points away from the title, with a superior goal difference, and a home match against Tottenham Hotspur coming up. In truth, it’s a matter of when, not if.

Arsenal Holding on by a Thread

Sunday could’ve been the day the ribbons went red. Had Arsenal dropped points at Ipswich earlier in the afternoon, Liverpool’s narrow win at the King Power would have sealed the deal. But Mikel Arteta’s side held their nerve — for now — coasting to a 4-0 win and clinging to the illusion of a title race that has, in reality, been slipping through their fingers since early April.

Now, they face Crystal Palace at the Emirates. On paper, it’s a game Arsenal should win. But this season has delivered more than a few twists. Palace are no longer pushovers, especially since Oliver Glasner’s arrival, and any lapse in focus could cost Arsenal dearly. Should they lose — and that’s not unthinkable — Liverpool will be champions before kicking a ball next weekend.

A draw would delay the party slightly, leaving Liverpool needing a single point. A win, of course, would keep the champagne on ice for just a little longer.

Celebrations in the Works — Just in Case

Virgil van Dijk has his eyes on Liverpool’s second top-flight title in 25 years / PAUL ELLIS/GettyImages

Van Dijk is a man who’s been here before. In the COVID-hit summer of 2020, he was part of the Liverpool squad that watched from a hotel as Manchester City fell to Chelsea — confirming the Reds as champions for the first time in 30 years. That night is etched in club folklore: Jurgen Klopp in tears, players cheering wildly in isolation, and a famous 3am phone call to Sir Alex Ferguson.

“We were all together at Formby Hall,” Virgil Van Dijk recalled earlier this year. “It was surreal, emotional, but also kind of strange. We couldn’t be at Anfield, there were no fans, but the emotion was just as real.”

Fast forward to 2024, and while restrictions are long gone, the sense of anticipation is very much the same. There’s talk among the squad of arranging a get-together on Wednesday night — just in case Crystal Palace pull off an upset. Virgil Van Dijk didn’t confirm any plans outright but made it clear that the group is ready for all scenarios.

“If Arsenal win — as they probably expect to do — then we have to do our job at the weekend,” he said. “That’s what we’re focused on.”

The Quiet Leader at the Back

Van Dijk’s presence has been crucial to Liverpool’s resurgence this season. After a turbulent couple of campaigns — plagued by injuries, squad instability, and the emotional burnout that followed years of chasing silverware — the team looks like itself again. And Virgil Van Dijk, now fully fit and back to his imperious best, has been the glue holding everything together.

He may not be the most vocal of captains, but his calm authority, positional brilliance, and leadership on the pitch have been vital. He’s not just leading by example — he’s setting the tone for a squad that’s had to battle on multiple fronts.

His partnership with Ibrahima Konaté, and more recently Jarell Quansah, has restored solidity to a defence that wobbled last season. And with Alisson back between the sticks and Trent Alexander-Arnold operating in his hybrid role with more confidence, Liverpool have rediscovered the balance that made them champions before.

Klopp’s Last Dance?

There’s an added layer of emotion to this title run. Jurgen Klopp, the man who transformed Liverpool from nearly-men to champions of England, Europe, and the world, is leaving at the end of the season. Winning the league would be a fitting farewell.

This is a club that Klopp rebuilt from the ground up — emotionally, tactically, and culturally. His departure will leave a void, but he’s determined to go out on top. The players, too, want to send him off with a smile.

Van Dijk alluded to that motivation earlier this month: “We all want to make this season unforgettable — for the boss, for the fans, for each other.”

Matching Manchester United’s Record

If Liverpool lift the Premier League this season, it won’t just be another trophy in the cabinet. It will be title number 20, drawing them level with Manchester United’s historic haul of top-flight championships.

It’s a milestone that matters. The rivalry between England’s two most successful clubs is legendary, and matching United’s record would be seen by many as symbolic — the latest reminder that Liverpool are, once again, giants of the domestic game.

Whether Arne Slot — widely expected to replace Klopp — decides to ring up Sir Alex at 3am is another story. But the moment won’t go unnoticed.

Just One More Step

Liverpool have done the hard part. They’ve weathered injuries, fixture congestion, and the emotional weight of Klopp’s farewell tour. They’ve kept pace with the relentless schedule and outlasted their challengers. Now, they’re just one win away — or one Arsenal slip — from finishing the job.

And Virgil Van Dijk? He’s ready either way.

“We’re in a good position. We’re close. But we still have to focus — and finish it.”

One last game. One last push. And maybe, just maybe, one more unforgettable celebration.