Van Dijk learning quick at Southampton

In an interview with Dutch media company AD.NL, Southampton defender Virgil Van Dijk has criticized the difference between Southampton and Celtic and how much the type of football changes between the two clubs/countries.

“At Southampton I am learning much in every game. Much more than in recent years at Celtic. My transfer to Southampton is completely dealt with and I have now played five games in a row. It was a bit hard, but it is getting better. I am learning a lot. The game is much faster, it sometimes seems like a pinball machine.”

Van Dijk signed from Celtic for over £10m when he joined Southampton in August right at the end of the transfer window and the Dutch international has been exceptional since he joined.

Ronald Koeman has got the best out of him so far and alongside captain Jose Fonte, has been superb in recent games for the Saints.

Van Dijk spent two years at Celtic and scored nine goals from central defence. A goalscoring defender is certainly something that Southampton have missed in recent years. Van Dijk has already got off the mark for the Saints, scoring in the 3-1 over Swansea, just his second league game for the club.

Van Dijk was also an instrumental part of the side that beat Chelsea 3-1 last weekend with a sublime performance to keep the likes of Falcao, Fabregas and Hazard at bay for the majority of the match.