---
title: "Van Dijk embraced hostile Southampton atmosphere"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/van-dijk-embraced-hostile-southampton-atmosphere/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Osman"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2018-02-11T21:01:11Z"
modified: "2018-02-11T21:01:11Z"
---

# Van Dijk embraced hostile Southampton atmosphere

Virgil van Dijk was met by a chorus of boos upon his return to Southampton on Sunday afternoon, but this did not deter him as he helped Liverpool to a routine 2-0 win at St Mary’s Stadium.

The Reds scored two first-half goals, courtesy of Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah, and that was enough to see off a rather uninspiring Southampton side.

It was Van Dijk’s first game back on the south coast since his controversial January move to Liverpool and his return prompted a hostile atmosphere at Southampton. However, as quoted by the [Evening Standard](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/liverpools-virgil-van-dijk-enjoyed-being-booed-on-southampton-return-a3763871.html), the Dutchman claims he thrived from the boos and embraced the reception he received.

![Julian Finney/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/readliverpoolfc/2018/02/916963574-1.jpg)

> You just enjoy it. It’s the only thing I think you can do. I think it is a bit unfair because no-one really knows what happened over the summer and the last few months but I just kept my head down and enjoyed it.

> I think we should have scored more. We deserved the win but we should have made it a bit easier for ourselves.

Van Dijk turned in an impressive display at the back, displaying composure on the ball and aerial prowess against Guido Carrillo throughout.

After a difficult opening to his career at Anfield, the 26-year-old will hope that the win and clean sheet away at his former side will act as the catalyst for a good vein of form as the business-end of the season begins.