Virgil van Dijk
Dijk arrived from Celtic in the summer of 2015, and was influential as the Saints finished in 6th place – their highest ever, under the now-departed Koeman.
A lot of Premier League clubs were in search of a reliable centre-half at the end of the season, but not many keenly pursued their interests in the 25-year-old despite the fact that he averaged 11 defensive actions per 90 minutes, won 73% of his aerial duels and take-ons, and 58% of his tackles. He also proved handy at the other end, scoring thrice and weighing in 9 chances in 34 games.
That has since changed, as Dijk is now the most sought after defender in the Premier League, with the top clubs interested in securing a switch this month as Dijk’s brilliance at the heart of Southampton defence has continued.
The Netherlands international played every league game of the first half of the season for the Saint Mary’s outfit, averaging 10 defensive actions per game, winning 90 aerial duels – the most of any defender, making 50 interceptions – the 5th highest, 129 clearances – 9th highest and 14 blocks. He has a goal and has created 5 chances.
Southampton entered 2017 sitting in 9th position, and this man was a huge reason for that decent start to the campaign despite a transition in the manager. No doubt, 2016 saw a new defending talent emerge in the Premier League in Virgil van Dijk, and 2017 can only be better for this tough player.