In a heartwarming tale of resilience and determination, BBC Sport delves into the career journey of Virgil van Dijk, the Liverpool captain currently on the verge of his second Premier League title.
Van Dijk, who made a secret visit to his former Dutch club Willem II to initiate a youth football tournament, began his career at the club's academy in 2001. Jan van Loon, then academy director, recalls Van Dijk's early days, highlighting his physical strength, natural talent, and moments of perceived laziness due to his timekeeping issues, which were often linked to his personal life responsibilities.
Despite his impressive performances, Van Dijk faced setbacks, including a time when he risked missing his big break due to an unfinished school report. However, Van Loon stepped in, helping him complete the assignment with the help of his classmates, demonstrating the importance of community support in shaping a player's career.
Van Dijk's nurturing of people skills was evident as he recognized and sought guidance from the best staff members, a trait Van Loon compared to players like Bukayo Saka and Frenkie de Jong.
Van Dijk's career took a challenging turn when he was diagnosed with appendicitis, peritonitis, and a kidney infection in 2011. After a successful operation, top Dutch clubs showed little interest, leading to his move to Celtic for about £2.5m in 2013.
Neil Lennon, then Celtic manager, praised Van Dijk's abilities, stating he was probably the best player he had ever worked with as a manager. Van Dijk's impressive performances led to his move to Southampton in 2015, where he won two league titles and a Scottish Cup.
Van Dijk became the world's most expensive defender when he signed for Liverpool in 2018 for £75m. He has since won the Champions League, Premier League, an FA Cup, two League Cups, the Club World Cup, and the 2019 UEFA player of the year award.
Van Loon, who also had a spell as head of coaching at Arsenal's academy, is proud of Van Dijk's accomplishments, emphasizing his ability to adapt to new challenges and lead with grace.
Source: BBC Sports Football
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