A win against struggling Swansea City helped Manchester United to end their winless streak which stretched back to four games. Currently in the 6th place of the Premier League table, Manchester United do have some of the biggest names in world football in their squad but so far in the big games, the team has suffered from their insecurities in defence.
Having conceded 13 times in 11 games, the team management has identified the need for a central defender capable of leading the line providing the stability and compactness at the back. Jose Mourinho has thus reportedly targeted Southampton’s defensive ace Virgil van Dijk as the man to solve his defensive woes.
Van Dijk made his senior debut with Dutch side Groningen in 2011 but came into the limelight during his 2-year stint with Celtic winning the Scottish Premiership in both the years of his stay in Scotland. His performances in Europe were very impressive which drew the interest from the clubs of the Premier League.
Despite being linked to some of the big names, the Dutchman decided to join Southampton in 2015 with his countryman Ronald Koeman, who was the manager in charge of the Saints at that time, having a big influence on that decision. Koeman took charge of Southampton at a difficult time. It was when the Saints lost almost half of their first team players in the transfer window as they moved elsewhere.
Under former manager Mauricio Pochettino, Southampton’s rise was based on the rock solid foundations of a tight defence. With the departure of Dejan Lovren and later Toby Alderweireld, it was Van Dijk who helped his manager establish the stability at the back, partnering the impressive Jose Fonte in the central defence.
Van Dijk helped his team to finish 6th last year as compared to the 8th and 7th in 2013/14 and 2014/15. Standing at 1.93m, the defender has a towering presence which allows him to dominate his opponent in the air. Having played 34 games in the Premier League last season, the defender convinced everybody of his abilities with his leadership and overall gameplay.
Apart from dominating aerially, with 4.8 headers won per game, the defender showed he can help build the play from the back with his passing. A ball-playing defender with great consistency and knack of performing well in the big games is a combination the top teams drool over.
His abilities make him a perfect fit for a club who emphasise on building play from the back. With a string of impressive performances so far this season again, Van Dijk being a man targeted in the upcoming transfer window is not exactly a huge surprise. However, by signing a six-year contract with the Saints in May 2016, the defender is not one who can be easily poached from his current destination.
Claude Puel knows how important Van Dijk is for his team and while there is no question that he will be an excellent acquisition for Manchester United, there are many who would like him to stay where he is and help Southampton in their upward curve defying odds every year under tough circumstances.
