Joshua Quarshie names former Southampton hero Virgil Van Dijk as one of his role models.
Days ago, Southampton completed their first transfer this summer window, Joshua Quarshie. Being the Saints' inaugural move, Quarshie naturally attracts many eyeballs, yet truth be told, there's fear associated with his signing as well.
While the 20-year-old's potential and brilliant attributes aren't a doubt, his excessive similarities with Saints flop Bella-Kotchap scares fans. And this will remain as it is until Quarshie kick-offs the preseason at St. Mary's.
But thankfully, in the meantime, Joshua Quarshie has made a bold admission that will surely boost confidence in St. Mary's faithful.
In his first interview as a Saint, Quarshie named Southampton great Virgil Van Dijk as his role model. Praising the iconic center-back's heroics, the new signing labelled Van Dijk as an ideal player to look up to.
As quoted by the Daily Echo, upon being asked for his role model, Joshua Quarshie said: "Yeah, one is in the Premier League, Virgil van Dijk. I think everybody knows his name. He's a very good player, very composed. He's got everything."
Quarshie must pass difficult challenge to step up in Van Dijk's role
Honestly, Quarshie giving VVD the respect he deserves, which Dibling slipped up in recently, must embody confidence in fans. Needless to say, it already sells the Saints supporters a dream if Quarshie can reach anywhere near Van Dijk's legacy at Southampton.
But, truth be told, it will not be easy for the prodigy at all. Having arrived at Southampton being a budding superstar, VVD was already a defensive leader by 20. A status Quarshie hasn't been able to establish in first-team football till now.
That's why, for the centre-back to try to step up in Van Dijk's shoes, Quarshie needs to make the most of his initial chances under Will Still. Well, with rumours for Harwood-Bellis and Bednarek's departure, the player's first-team route may be easy, but he needs consistency to become a regular starter.
That sounds exactly like the challenge Harwood-Bellis lived up to for his role 2-years back. Will Joshua Quarshie be able to seize his opportunity now? Let's see.