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What Virgil van Dijk Was Told After His Very First Training Session At Celtic

What Virgil van Dijk Was Told After His Very First Training Session At Celtic

Neil Lennon revealed what he said to the Dutch defender after his first training session.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

What then-Celtic manager Neil Lennon said to Virgil van Dijk after his very first training session was telling.

The Scottish Premiership club snapped up van Dijk for a measly £2 million from Groningen in 2013.

Image: PA
Image: PA

But once the commanding-Dutchman went through his paces, Lennon knew his future lied elsewhere.

"I was really surprised no one came in earlier for him at Celtic," the 47-year-old said.

"After one day I pulled him in after training and said 'look, you are not going to be here long. Enjoy yourself.'

"He was just that good. I could not believe my luck that we got him from Groningen for €2 million. He had everything.

"Pace, great physicality, technique and superb in the air in both boxes."

Image: PA
Image: PA

van Dijk eventually secured a switch to the Premier League after two seasons at Celtic Park.

He moved to Southampton for just £13 million before completing a mega-transfer to Liverpool in a deal worth a reported £75 million.

The 27-year-old has produced defensive heroics since arriving at Anfield.

Image: PA
Image: PA
Image: PA
Image: PA

This season, he's a been a rock at the back, keeping clean sheets for fun as Liverpool mount a serious challenge to win the Premier League title.

Is van Dijk the best defender in world football? Let us know what you think.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Liverpool, Football News, Celtic, Football, Neil Lennon, Southampton, Premier League, Virgil Van Dijk