---
title: "Wijnaldum hails Van Dijk as a natural leader"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/feature-writers/wijnaldum-hails-van-dijk-natural-leader/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Elliott Cuff"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2017-12-28T22:28:46Z"
modified: "2017-12-28T22:28:46Z"
---

# Wijnaldum hails Van Dijk as a natural leader

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.