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Virgil van Dijk a leader, says Liverpool's Georginio Wijnaldum

By Alys Bowen

Last Updated: 01/01/18 8:55am

Georginio Wijnaldum says Van Dijk is a natural leader and will help the Liverpool team
Georginio Wijnaldum says Van Dijk is a natural leader and will help the Liverpool team

Georginio Wijnaldum says his future Liverpool team-mate Virgil van Dijk is a natural leader.

Van Dijk will complete a £75m world-record move to Liverpool from Southampton on January 1 and Wijnaldum insists the defender will be a strong addition to the squad.

"I was really happy when I spoke with him on the phone, I told him I was happy he was going to come and join us," Wijnaldum said.

"And now there will be a little bit of Dutch support in the changing room.

Van Dijk will complete a £75m move to Liverpool in the New Year
Van Dijk will complete a £75m move to Liverpool in the New Year

"I think outside of the pitch he is a normal person, he's easy going and relaxed and I think everyone in the club will like him.

"On the pitch, from what I saw in the national team he is a leader, trying to help everyone, help with the defensive line, so I think he will help us in the team."

Van Dijk has made 12 appearances for the Saints this season after recovering from a long-term knee injury, but Jurgen Klopp insists the 26-year-old will bring a high standard of play to his squad.

Wijnaldum will soon play along side his international team-mate Van Dijk
Wijnaldum will soon play along side his international team-mate Van Dijk

"Quality. That's why we got him, that's why we were interested in him. It's quite difficult at the moment because technically he's still a Southampton player." Klopp told Sky Sports.

"We only talk about the player and what he can bring in; the quality, the mentality, the character. That is why we are really happy about it."

The Netherlands international submitted a transfer request to Liverpool in the summer, however, Southampton complained the Merseyside club had made an illegal approach for the centre-back.

Also See:

  • Klopp: Forget Van Dijk fee
  • Liverpool agree £75m Van Dijk deal
  • Klopp: Ox can get better
  • How Van Dijk will help

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