Alexander-Arnold was booed by some supporters at Anfield during the 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday (11.05.25), his first match since announcing that he will leave the Reds at the end of the season, but Van Dijk doesn't believe the full-back's departure should overshadow the club's achievement of winning a record-equalling 20th top-flight title.

The Liverpool captain said: "We want to win two more games and after the final whistle, including him [Alexander-Arnold], lift the trophy up and celebrate like we have never done before.

"It shouldn't (overshadow the success). There's a lot more players that also deserve an amazing day."

Van Dijk admits that he was surprised to hear the jeers for Alexander-Arnold but stressed that his team-mate, who is expected to sign for Real Madrid, "has to deal" with the reaction.

The Dutch defender said: "The [crowd] reaction happened. He has to deal with it. We as a team have to deal with that as well.

"I wasn't really expecting something, to be honest, but I think maybe he expected this. It's not easy, not at all. We're here for him anyway.

"We are gutted that he's not here with us next year because he's a fantastic player with outstanding, exceptional qualities that we have seen over the last seven years."

Van Dijk recently signed a new two-year contract at Liverpool but stressed that his situation is very different to that of Alexander-Arnold's.

The centre-back said: "Everyone shares different opinions and he feels like he has done it all, and he did it, and he wants to try something different.

"You are speaking about one of the biggest clubs of all in Real Madrid, who he might go to as I read in the media.

"I was sorting my own stuff out. I had to secure my future as well and I was quite busy doing that.

"There were loads of other options, but Liverpool is the place for me."