Liverpool have got the perfect Van Dijk replacement, he's outperformed him this season

Liverpool may have just achieved the near-impossible task of securing a capable replacement for Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutch centre-back has been imperious at the heart of the Reds' backline for several seasons now, but is surely now in the twilight of his career.

The 35-year-old has played every minute of the Premier League campaign so far, and has been a rock for Andoni Iraola's side while their defensive options have been stretched.

Giovanni Leoni is still recovering from his long-term injury lay-off, and that has thrust Jeremy Jacquet straight into the spotlight at Anfield.

The £60million January signing only joined up with his new team in the summer, but is already performing like a seasoned Premier League player.

The 21-year-old's impressive start in English football has arguably even surpassed the lofty expectations, and it has answered every possible question about replacing Van Dijk.

Jeremy Jacquet matches Virgil van Dijk's best

Jacquet has had no prior experience of the English game, but the increased level of physicality compared to French football certainly hasn't fazed him so far.

It emerged after Sunday's victory over Bournemouth that the starlet has won a stunning 76.3 per cent of his duels so far this season.

That means that he is currently outperforming his partner Van Dijk in that department, who has won 74.1 per cent of his battles so far.

However, Jacquet's current tally is also in line with Van Dijk's strongest-ever campaign in terms of duels, with OptaJoe outlining that his 76.3 per cent is identical to Van Dijk's final tally from 2018-19.

The fact that the youngster is already matching the veteran's strongest output in the battles from across his Premier League career is hugely impressive, and a surefire sign that he is the perfect replacement for when Van Dijk moves on.

Jacquet's start on Merseyside has been so impressive that thinking about the level that he could reach in five years' time is frankly scary.

How will Liverpool handle Van Dijk's future?

Football Insider recently revealed that Liverpool don't intend to enter into talks with Van Dijk over a new contract until after the New Year.

The former Southampton man could potentially leave Anfield on a free transfer next summer, but the club remain relaxed about his future.

Liverpool intend to assess the veteran's performances across another full campaign before committing to any form of extension.

They took a similar strategy with Van Dijk's last new contract, and they are hoping that a similar outcome can ultimately be achieved once again.