Virgil van Dijk suffers nightmare return to Southampton as former Liverpool target plays in Under-23 side’s 4-0 hammering by Aston Villa
Wantaway defender failed to get move to Liverpool in transfer window and didn't impress on return to action for the Saints
VIRGIL VAN DIJK has suffered a disastrous return to Southampton duty as he played in the Under-23s side that was hammered 4-0 by Aston Villa.
The wantaway Dutchman featured for all 90 minutes in a humiliating loss at the Bescot Stadium.
Van Dijk failed to get his move to Liverpool through in the last transfer window.
This was the first time he has worn a Saints shirt in competitive action this season.
Two goals in the first 24 minutes from Jordan Cox put Villa ahead before Corey Taylor and Callum O'Hare added the extras in the second half.
Some 470 hardy souls were in attendance to see the £60million-rated centre-half in action.
His future remains up in the air despite boss Mauricio Pellegrino's stubbornness during the transfer window.
Reports claim Juventus are plotting a January move for the 26-year-old Holland international.
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Arsenal and Chelsea are keeping tabs on the big defender's situation but it is Jurgen Klopp's side who will likely go again for his services in the next transfer window.
Van Dijk has recently been reintegrated into the senior squad after training on his own.
Liverpool issued a public apology back in June after being accused of tapping-up the star.
Van Dijk has been out of action for the Southampton first team since picking up an ankle injury back in January.
