You would struggle to find another player who has made as much of an impact as Virgil van Dijk has in 18 months for Liverpool.
Van Dijk’s £75million arrival in January 2018 may be remembered as the starting point of a new era of success for the Merseyside giants.
PFA Player of the Year Van Dijk has cemented his status as one of the world’s best defenders this season. He is undoubtedly the strongest contender to rival Lionel Messi for the Ballon d’Or trophy.
The Dutchman averaged 1 tackle, 4.8 clearances, 0.8 interceptions, along with 3.4 aerial duels per game in Europe’s elite competition during the 2018-19 season. He also averaged 1 tackle, 4.8 aerial duals and 5.2 clearances per game in the Premier League this season.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk deserves to win this year’s Ballon d’Or after claiming the Champions League title, however, the player himself has made clear that he thinks the Ballon d’Or prize should go to Barcelona’s captain Lionel Messi.
The Dutch superstar is 28 today! Here are four little known facts about Liverpool’s number four.
He arranged a premature birth of his daughter
Virgil and his long-term lover Rike had their first baby in 2014. At the time his wife Rite was about to give birth, Van Dijk finally got the invitation to Netherlands national team. He arranged for his girlfriend to prematurely give birth to their daughter. Fans and Netherland coach Guus Hiddink criticized that unnecessary decision. As results, Guus ended up not selecting him for the so-called anticipated match.
Image Source: David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images
He once played as a striker
Van Dijk was once used as an emergency striker for his first club, Groningen. Virgil led his team in a 4-2 victory over ADO Den Haag in April 2011.
Image Source: Anfield HQ
Virgil has the origin of champions
Virgil’s mother is from Suriname, a former colony of the Netherlands. He subsequently has dual nationality. Patrick Kluivert, Frank Rijkaard, Edgar Davids, and Clarence Seedorf all share the same origin.
Image Source: David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images
Van Dijk was once a pots washer in a restaurant
As a teenager, Virgil worked in the kitchen of the Oncle Jean restaurant in his native Breda in Holland. The restaurant owner Jacques Lips encouraged him to give up his football dream. “He was a good worker.” Lips said. Virgil was training hard to try and become a professional and had joined the academy of neighbours Willem II.
“I would often tell him he should wash more pots and stop trying to become a professional player.” Lips continued. ‘Stay here, Virgil’, I used to say. “Here you have the opportunity at least to earn a few quid”. He has absolutely made it and I hold my hands up. He deserves everything he is getting.’
Image Source: Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA/Getty Images
