Craig Burley wonders if Virgil van Dijk would live up to the pressure with a club closer to the top of the Premier League.
It is not just the name -- part Roman poet, part Dutchman -- that makes him stand out. Virgil van Dijk has a capacity to catch the eye. He's a centre-back with the technical ability of a midfielder, a defiant defender who can pop up anywhere on the pitch, a charismatic figure who seems to exert a magnetic effect on the ball. He is the Southampton player with most tackles, clearances, interceptions, bookings and red cards.
Van Dijk is normally conspicuous by his presence. When Southampton host...
Craig Burley wonders if Virgil van Dijk would live up to the pressure with a club closer to the top of the Premier League.
It is not just the name -- part Roman poet, part Dutchman -- that makes him stand out. Virgil van Dijk has a capacity to catch the eye. He's a centre-back with the technical ability of a midfielder, a defiant defender who can pop up anywhere on the pitch, a charismatic figure who seems to exert a magnetic effect on the ball. He is the Southampton player with most tackles, clearances, interceptions, bookings and red cards.
Van Dijk is normally conspicuous by his presence. When Southampton host...