Liverpool vs Southampton: 5 talking points

#3 Virgil van Dijk quells transfer rumours

Van Dijk flattered to deceive

The Dutchman spent much of the summer in exile trying to force a move to a top 4 club. Those efforts were in vain though as no club was willing to shop up the £50 million asking fee.

Although Liverpool actively pursued van Dijk, their means of negotiating were not according to the rulebook. The Saints threatened to report them to the FA following which the Reds apologised and withdrew their offer for the 26-year-old.

Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino assured fans before the game that van Dijk was completely focused on playing for the Saints, and his performance was a testament to just that.

Pellegrino looked to set his team up in a resolute low-block, but van Dijk’s teammates did not adhere to that plan. It was the only Dutchman who showed the discipline and commitment needed to execute such a game plan. In his 90 minutes, van Dijk won 5 aerial duels, didn’t miss a single tackle and completed 86% of his passes.