Steven Davis claims the Southampton players are delighted to hang onto Virgil van Dijk because he could play for any side in the world.

Southampton refused to cash in on van Dijk on transfer deadline day, even though Liverpool were prepared to spend big to make him the world’s most-expensive defender.

Davis was pleased Saints stood firm and hopes the Dutch centre-half, who wanted to leave, will put the saga behind him to focus on playing well for them.

“He’s a massive player, and top quality,” said the Saints midfielder.

“He could play for anyone in the world, I think he’s that good. We’re delighted that we could keep hold of him and hopefully we can go on to have a strong season.”

Van Dijk is yet to play this season for the Saints (
Image:
Reuters)
Northern Ireland captain Davis hopes to see Van Dijk back in Saints action (
Image:
AFP)

Davis felt Southampton’s refusal to sell Van Dijk sent out a positive message about the club and they have sold their best players in previous transfer windows.

“We’ve lost a lot of key players over the last few years in the summer transfer windows,” he said.

“The recruitment side of the club has done exceptionally well to replace them, but if you want to go on to try to achieve something, you have to try to keep the squad together. You have to keep your best players, which Virgil is.”

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