Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has received a special honour at former club Willem II.
The defender honed his abilities in the youth ranks at the Dutch outfit ahead of his professional career encompassing spells with Groningen, Celtic and Southampton before he joined the Reds in January 2018.
At their Sportpark Prinsenhoeve youth facility in Tilburg, the main stand has now been named the Virgil van Dijk Tribune in recognition of the Netherlands international’s impact and achievements in the game
“It is a special gift from the club to Van Dijk: a sign of appreciation for the career of the former Willem II youth player, who grew into one of the best defenders in the world,” said Willem II.
“At the same time, the tribute is linked to the future, because Van Dijk brings the international youth tournament Virgil’s Legacy Trophy back to Tilburg this year.
“With this, his name is not only immortalised in the rich history of Willem II, but also emphatically linked to the development of youth football in the city.
“With this gesture, Willem II underlines the special bond with one of its greatest talents and the club wants to permanently inspire new generations of youth players.”
Van Dijk has, of course, established himself as one of the leading centre-backs of his generation for club and country, becoming the first Dutchman to captain a team to the Premier League title as Liverpool lifted the trophy last season.
Eight medals, 323 appearances and 28 goals are the headlines of his outstanding Anfield record, and he remains hugely grateful for the early influence Willem II had on his journey to such success.
“It makes me very proud,” Van Dijk said of the tribute. “Willem II has played an important role in my life and in my development as a young player.
“That this is now recognised in this way means a lot to me and my family. It is a very special tribute and I appreciate the warmth and connection I still feel with the club.”
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