Virgil van Dijk refusing to reflect on failed Liverpool move as Southampton prepare to take on club he nearly joined

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Southampton's Virgil van Dijk is fully committed to the club despite pushing for a move away from St Mary's in the close-season transfer window, the defender has said.

The 26-year-old Dutch international, who handed in a transfer request at the start of the season amid interest from Liverpool, said he has moved on from the saga.

“I don't think it's appropriate to comment on anything that happened before,” he told the Daily Echo.

“I'm giving 100 per cent for the club, I work hard every day, I help my team-mates and I'm positive and I want to win every game.”

With just five points from their last six Premier League matches, Van Dijk reckoned the international break has arrived at the right time for 13th placed Southampton.

He said it was an ideal pause to get their act together ahead of a demanding schedule until the end of the year, starting with a league trip to Liverpool on 18 November.

“Every game is important and it's going to be even more important now to get some points and we know we can play very well against everyone,” Van Dijk added.

“For now, we need to recharge with some of the players going back to their countries and work hard there as well and come back fit and be ready for Liverpool.”

Reuters