Southampton

Maya Yoshida: Virgil van Dijk "really comfortable" at Southampton

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 29 October 2017

Southampton defender Maya Yoshida does not expect teammate Virgil van Dijk to down tools, even if his move to Liverpool in January fails to materialise.

Maya Yoshida has played down suggestions that central-defensive teammate Virgil van Dijk is desperate to quit Southampton after his summer exit was blocked.

The Netherlands international saw a move to Liverpool break down during the most recent transfer window due to the Reds' alleged illegal approach.

Van Dijk handed in a transfer request in the hope of pushing through a switch, while also recently hinting that he is still confident of getting his wish in January.

Yoshida insists that, although the former Celtic man is unlikely to remain at St Mary's Stadium for the long term, he will continue to give his all while he wears the Southampton shirt.

"He is good. He is enjoying every day. I think he smiles a lot," the Daily Mail quotes him as saying. "It is very comfortable with him, he never brings any negativity. That's his future, his decision. But, in this moment, he is really comfortable I think.

"It is tough for him but the most important thing is he is with us now and he puts everything on it with Southampton. That is the most important thing. Maybe in the future something will happen, but at this moment he gives everything to the club. That is very good.

"He didn't play for a long time, about eight months, so the first couple of games he was not top level enough as he was before. But recently he has done very well and I can see he is very comfortable with more confidence. Game by game we feel much better."

Yoshida was speaking before Southampton's meeting with Brighton on Sunday afternoon, which finished in a 1-1 draw at the Amex Stadium.