Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been praised by teammates past and present for his willingness to help others develop, as well as his strong leadership skills
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Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk at a training session at the AXA Training Centre
Virgil van Dijk has been praised for helping his teammates develop their own careers
(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk has become one of the best defenders in the world since joining Liverpool just over seven years ago.
The Reds skipper has won a haul of eight trophies in that time, including the Premier League, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, as well as several major personal accolades. Van Dijk's achievements have more than justified the £75million Liverpool paid to Southampton to secure his services in January 2018.
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While the 33-year-old's star has risen significantly at Anfield, one thing which hasn’t changed from the early days of his career is his strength of character. Van Dijk's potential as a leader and world class player was clear to see even when he arrived at Celtic from Groningen in 2013 at the age of 21.
The Dutchman's attributes were recognised by his then-team-mate Eoghan O'Connell, who made his debut alongside him at centre-back in a 1-1 draw against Ross County in March 2014. O'Connell recounted a few weeks later how he was left in awe of Van Dijk's composure.
"He's tremendous and he makes the game look easy most of the time," O'Connell, then aged 18, told The Herald. "Even in the Champions League games he was arguably the best player on the pitch. I don't see why he shouldn't go to the World Cup.
"Playing with him, he oozes confidence. He talked me through the whole game. The way he plays the game is beyond his years. You have to look at him as an example, the way he's progressed through the season has been fantastic."
Virgil van Dijk of Celtic in action during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 match between Celtic and FC Internazionale Milano on February 19, 2015 in Glasgow, United Kingdom.
Van Dijk was a strong player for Celtic in his younger years(Image: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
The praise from O'Connell, who now plays for Wrexham in League One, still rings true today. Van Dijk's confidence on the ball and willingness to help up and coming defenders are qualities which have shone through at Anfield.
Jarell Quansah is a current team-mate whose development he has aided. The 22-year-old recently expressed his gratitude at being able to tap into Van Dijk's knowledge and experience after being called up to England manager Thomas Tuchel's first squad.
"He's lived my career," Quansah told the BBC last week. "He's been a young centre-half, made mistakes, and then reached the pinnacle, the very top of football, and been one of the best centre-halves that we've seen.
Jarell Quansah and Virgil van Dijk
Jarell Quansah has praised Virgil van Dijk for the way he 'talks you through the game'
"He can resonate a lot with me and, anything he can do to help me, he's trying to do and I'm grateful for that. On a day-to-day basis, he is always talking to me. It's all valuable information that I take from him."
Van Dijk's character was reinforced by how he reacted to the disappointment of Liverpool's Carabao Cup final defeat against Newcastle on Sunday. Despite the 2-1 loss, he made a point of going over to his opponents and shaking the hand of every single one of them as they celebrated their victory.
The defender's future at Anfield remains uncertain, with reports linking him with a possible move to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. Liverpool's position is weakened by the fact Van Dijk's contract expires in the summer.
Virgil van Dijk applauds the Liverpool fans after the Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle United
Virgil van Dijk applauds the Liverpool fans after the Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle United
Meanwhile, the player himself has admitted he remains undecided on his next steps. "I have no idea at the moment. Genuinely, I still have no idea," Van Dijk said recently. "It is not on hold. Nothing on hold. There are 10 games to go and that is my full focus..
"If there is news you guys will know it. I don't even know myself. Everyone knows there are some conversations behind the scenes but that is about it. At the moment I don’t even know what will happen next year. If anyone says they do know, they are lying to your face."
When considering what to do about van Dijk's future, Liverpool may want to reflect on the words of his team-mates, both past and present. He has played a key role in their quest for the Premier League title this season as they currently sit 12 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table and still has plenty to offer.