Southampton

Matt Le Tissier slams 'distasteful, unprofessional' Virgil van Dijk

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 02 August 2017

Matt Le Tissier accuses Virgil van Dijk of being "unprofessional" as the defender tries to force through a move away from Southampton.

Matt Le Tissier has hit out at Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk for his conduct this summer.

The Dutch defender effectively went on strike in order to try to force through a move away from St Mary's, with Liverpool thought to be his preferred destination.

The centre-back was left out of Mauricio Pellegrino's squad for last week's pre-season trip to France, and it is understood that he is still training alone.

The 26-year-old held fresh talks with the coastal club this week, but it is believed that he reiterated his desire to leave rather than accept that he is not for sale.

Le Tissier, who spent 16 years playing for Southampton, has criticised players who refuse to do their job considering the amount of money that they earn.

"It's been going on long enough, and he's still here," the Liverpool Echo quotes Le Tissier as saying. "He still wants to be on his own, and to be honest, that's pretty unprofessional.

"It's a shame. It doesn't look very good on the player, he's got five years left and the only way he can be sold is if the club accept an offer for him - that hasn't happened, so you have to get on with your job.

"I find it pretty distasteful when players start players start refusing to play for clubs when they're paid very good money to be there."

Liverpool issued a public apology to Southampton in June after being accused of tapping up Van Dijk.