Time for Van Dijk to really show his class
Virgil Van Dijk made his first appearance for the Saints since his injury lay-off and transfer request as he made a late subtitute appearance in the victory over Crystal Palace last weekend.
He now looks to be firmly focused on the job in hand ahead of an important season for the Dutchman which could potentially end with a World Cup place should the Dutch make it there.
Having been out injured with ligament problems ever since the victory over Leicester City all the way back in January its been a long road to recovery for the Saints man who will be hoping to firmly cement himself back amongst the very best central defenders in the division following a lengthy time out.
During the summer the 26 year-old made it very clear that he had no intentions of wanting to play for the club again and had every intention of wanting to join Liverpool who, unfortunately for Van Dijk, illegally tapped up of the player meaning that the deal could not be processed as well as the club holding a firm stance that the defender was not for a sale at any price.
The 26-year-old returned to training with his teammates seven weeks ago but, has been building up his match fitness ever since coming through two full ninety minutes for the clubs under 23 side which included a goal in the 3-0 win over Stoke City at Staplewood on Monday night.
It may take a little more time for the defender to realize his full potential as he builds up his match fitness ahead of the visit of Manchester United this weekend in a match which it is expected he will make his first start in the first team since the challenge from Jamie Vardy which saw him kept out of the side for so long.
It appears that Van Dijk has gotten over the fact that he will not be getting a big move to a Champions League club and I feel as though he really needs to get his head down just like both Morgan Schneiderlin and Victor Wanyama did when they both wanted a big move away both offering us another season before making their moves to Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur respectively.
Van Dijk could still play a crucial role in helping his country to reach the World Cup finals in Russia next year as they currently sit in third place three points behind Sweden who currently occupy the play-off spot and you feel as though to wins from the Dutch would be enough to secure them a play-off spot.
Should the Dutch qualify it will make the motivation for Van Dijk even higher as he will want to put in top draw performances for his club to keep his place for the tournament and again put himself in the shop window during what could be his very first competitive national football competition after the Dutch failed to reach the Euro’s in 2016.