Virgil van Dijk is confident the club will be able to sign the players they need to rebuild next season

Virgil van Dijk says Liverpool will remain an attractive destination for top talent despite missing out on Champions League football.

The Netherlands captain believes the club’s project is still appealing to players, even if they will have to compete in the Europa League next season.

“Obviously the chances to reach Champions League football were quite slim but now it makes it more difficult,” Van Dijk said. “But I don’t think it’s going to change much. If I’m a player on the rise and I have options to go to the next step and Liverpool is knocking on my door, then I would be very interested.”

Van Dijk also spoke about the departure of Roberto Firmino, who is leaving the club at the end of his contract. The Brazilian was a key part of Liverpool’s success in recent years, and Van Dijk said he will be missed.

“Bobby has been a very big part of the goals and the assists, together with Sadio (Mane) and Mo (Salah), and that creates the headlines,” Van Dijk said. “But all the other stuff that the other three have been doing as well shouldn’t go unnoticed and that’s why they’re very respected within the group and also Liverpool fans.”

Van Dijk is confident that Liverpool will be able to replace Firmino, and he is looking forward to the new season.

“Pre-season will be massive,” he said. “I’m very excited for next season. I think that feeling came a couple of months ago when we turned the page. Obviously there’s still a lot to work on but the good thing in this case is that we have the whole pre-season to work on this and that’s definitely the plan.”

Van Dijk is also looking forward to working with new signing Cody Gakpo, who he believes has the potential to be a star at Liverpool.

“I think it’s a very difficult role to play and I think Cody’s doing exceptional,” Van Dijk said. “He’s still learning, still adapting. In my opinion, Bobby has been one of the best in this role. Cody, it’s his first six months and he’s already doing so well, so that’s a positive sign and he has to keep going, keep both feet on the ground – and listen to me!”