Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has shared a throwback to his Celtic days, posting a photo of himself in action against Barcelona legend Xavi, who is now his Netherlands manager
Virgil van Dijk is now working alongside Barcelona Legend Xavi
Virgil van Dijk is now working alongside Barcelona Legend Xavi(Image: Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk first experienced top-level European soccer during his time with Celtic.
The Dutch star made his Champions League bow in 2013, coming up against some of soccer's biggest stars. Barcelona and AC Milan featured amongst the opposition as the fledgling center-back squared up to Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, and Xavi. Wind the clock forward 13 years, and Van Dijk has cemented his status among soccer's elite, claiming domestic and continental glory with Liverpool.
Now, though, the Netherlands skipper finds himself working alongside one of the players he previously faced in battle. Barca legend Xavi, 46, succeeded Ronald Koeman in the managerial role last month and opened with a winning performance as the Netherlands defeated Serbia 2-1 in the Nations League.
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Van Dijk seems thrilled to be playing under one of the sport's legends after posting an unusual throwback on social media depicting the duo competing against each other during his Celtic spell.
The two-time Premier League winner shared a series of photographs from the most recent international fixtures, but hidden amongst them was a snapshot of himself and Xavi in competition at Celtic Park.
The photograph caught the eye of former Hoops youngster Jackson Irvine, who responded with a four-leaf clover emoji.
Van Dijk and Xavi will now be aiming to secure consecutive victories when they face Greece away on Thursday.
Speaking after his team's win against Serbia, Van Dijk said: "We are happy with the three points, but we can still be critical of ourselves because it was not our best performance.
"We gave away moments that we need to review and improve."
Meanwhile, Van Dijk's Liverpool teammate Alexander Isak will play no further part during the international break after picking up an injury while representing Sweden.
The striker has returned to Merseyside to get treatment for his injury.
"He's got a small problem with his thigh," said Sweden boss Graham Potter when asked about Alexander Isak.
"It's not a big one, but because of the amount of games we've got in a small space of time, he won't be able to make those.
"Not a big one, but frustrating for him, and obviously for us."