Virgil van Dijk’s new teammate and compatriot Georginio Wijnaldum has hailed the Dutch defender as a natural leader.
Van Dijk completed a world record £75million move from Southampton to Liverpool yesterday, and will officially join the club on January 1st. Wijnaldum, who joined Liverpool last summer, is convinced that van Dijk will be a valuable addition to the Reds’ squad. He said;
I was really happy when I spoke with him on the phone, I told him I was happy he was going to come and join us.
I think outside of the pitch he is a normal person, he’s easy going and relaxed and I think everyone in the club will like him.
On the pitch, from what I saw in the national team he is a leader, trying to help everyone, help with the defensive line, so I think he will help us in the team.
Van Dijk has made 12 appearances for the Saints this season after recovering from a long-term knee injury, and has so far failed to reignite his form from last season.
Jurgen Klopp told Sky Sports that he thinks the 26-year old will bring a high standard of play to his team. He said;
Quality. That’s why we got him, that’s why we were interested in him. It’s quite difficult at the moment because technically he’s still a Southampton player.
We only talk about the player and what he can bring in; the quality, the mentality, the character. That is why we are really happy about it.
Van Dijk’s move comes almost five months after he submitted a transfer request at the South Coast club, with Liverpool’s interest in the summer cited as the sole reason.
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