Southampton: Is January the time to sell Virgil van Dijk?
By Erik Franzo
We have yet to turn the page to the new year, and there is already a plethora of speculation regarding the future of Virgil van Dijk.
Southampton executives stood firm during the summer transfer window, reportedly turning down offers between £60-75 million for the Dutch centre-back. With similar transfer fees likely to be on the table this winter, once again the question will be asked, is it time to sell Virgil van Dijk?
First you need to look at Van Dijk’s production since being reinstated into the Southampton lineup. In 11 games as a starting centre-back, the Saints have a record of 2W-4D-5L. With just three of those games against top six sides, one can argue he is not making the impact to justify his price. To make matters worse, the team has conceded eighteen goals over that period.
Although, according to Saints Marching’s recent player ratings, VVD recent level of play has been positive in comparison to earlier season efforts . With ratings of 8, 7.5, and 7 in the last three games, it appears he has regained his confidence after a lengthy spell away from football.
To put this in perspective, he received a rating above 7 just twice in eight prior starts. Teasing Saints fans into believing his best form is just around the corner. However, the skeptic sees the transfer window on the horizon, and a business-like Van Dijk driving up his individual demand.
Whatever the motive may be, one has to believe #17 is expendable. There are currently four proven, professional centre-backs on the roster, with Jan Bednarek (signed this summer) waiting in the wings.
Is this depth to create competition or simply overkill? Especially in a position that most managers would argue consistency is the key to success.
Wesley Hoedt does not seem too happy with the current rotation, and is beginning to show it on social media. he lack of opportunities for Jack Stephens is putting his development directly into question. Not to mention Maya Yoshida, often a captain of the squad, is not seeing the regular starts he has clearly earned.
The 3-5-2 formation is definitely a solution, but someone is still left out. Mauricio Pellegrino has also proven that this shape is matchup based. More likely to be deployed against the top six, where it appears as a 5-3-2 more than anything.
More from Saints Marching
- Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
- Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
- It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
- Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
- A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse
The key argument here is how much does van Dijk really care about the future of Southampton?
He clearly wanted out this summer, and if not for Liverpool playing transfer games, he may have had his wish granted. Has that desire for Champions League football really changed? Mauricio Pellegrino must believe so, because in his most admirable act as Southampton manager, he left him out of the side to begin the season. Stating “He (Van Dijk) has to show commitment on the pitch…” as opposed to verbalizing it.
Which means he must be working hard in training, and is clearly fit. However, to say he is 100% committed to a Saints side sliding down the Premier League table is hard to fathom. We may also have seen evidence of Van Dijk’s wavering mentality after he was left out of the squad that lost to Chelsea a week ago.
It is entirely unlikely, and honestly hard to believe Virgil’s heart is in every game. Yes, he is playing for himself, his brand, and his future, but Southampton results cannot matter to him as they do to his teammates.
Compare it to other recent want-aways, such as Sadio Mane, or even more so Victor Wanyama. Their qualities peaked at times of full club investment. The Kenyan was thought of as irreplaceable in 2014/15, but was never the same player when Spurs came knocking in the summer of 2015.
Next: Should Pellegrino ban mince pies over Christmas?
Southampton is not learning from their previous mistakes. Greatness, at the highest level of sport, is dictated by mentality. Confidence and commitment should never be overlooked, as they are the true difference makers in player performance.
Virgil van Dijk has all the technical, tactical, and physiological tools to be a world class centre-back. However, with Southampton, he lacks the psychological commitment to his club to compete at this perceived level.
Pep Guardiola is rumoured to have van Dijk on his wish list and Antonio Conte has been quoted that a transfer of van Dijk to Manchester City would make the Premier League front-runners even more “untouchable.” Throw in Jurgen Klopp’s previous interest in van Dijk, and the transfer fee is expected to remain sky high.
All the writing is on the wall, and now is as good as any time for Southampton to cash in on Virgil van Dijk.
He is one of the best in the world at his position, and the impact of his loss will be felt. However, if there is one thing Southampton have proven, it’s that they can overcome the loss of a superstar. It’s a reality Saints fans continue to face as we support our “selling club.” A negative label that is becoming increasingly frustrating, especially if you own a #17 kit like I do.