Van Dijk turns 35 years old in July but remains one of the best defenders on the planet as he continues to lead Liverpool in all competitions.
However, as age catches up to him, the Dutchman will need a young prospect to keep up with the pace of the Premier League which may be a worry for The Reds.
However, speaking to Hajper, Materazzi believes that Liverpool already have that player in the squad as he hopes fellow Italian Leoni can step up in the years to come.
“Is Giovanni Leoni the player who will partner Virgil Van Dijk next season? I think so because Van Dijk can help him grow in the Premier League.
“Leoni is a very good defender. He’s suffering from knee surgery, but he'll be back next season and I think he will be one of the best defenders in the Premier League next year.
“I love Van Dijk and I hope he can help Leoni, but I also think Leoni will help Van Dijk. It’s not easy to play for a big club like Liverpool in the Premier League because it has such a big history, and you feel it behind you.
“But Leoni is young, he has a great personality, and he started very well this season before the injury. If I am Leoni, I am following Virgil step by step, and Leoni’s legs will keep Van Dijk playing at the top level for many more years to come because he has the brains to adapt.”
Leoni has now been sidelined for six months after undergoing ACL surgery in October, but the youngster should return before the new season begins.
For now, the Liverpool captain has the full support from supporters, but Leoni could the key to keeping him at his best over the coming years.