The measure of Virgil van Dijk

It’s the measure of Virgil van Dijk that we’re even having the debate about whether he’s the best central defender we’ve seen in decades. If he’s not, he’s close. That said, measured against the other two players Southampton have secured from Celtic in recent seasons, his ability to influence a game is not of the standard of Victor Wanyama.

It’s no surprise that Southampton have been under pressure to sell Wanyama, or that they have apparently gambled on holding him, better options than Tottenham are likely to lie ahead for Victor. Virgil has perhaps found his level.

I’m off to read all those articles about how good Celtic are at developing >£10m footballers and why Southampton are not as clever as Celtic, just like the ones criticising Celtic for not being as clever as Dundee United.

More on Virgil later in the week, best of luck to him on England.