Van Dijk learning more at Southampton

Matthew Briggs

New Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk believes he has learnt more in the Premier League in a month than he did in his two years with Celtic.

Van Dijk moved to the Saints from Scottish champions Celtic on deadline day, and has been in impressive form, helping his side keep two clean sheets and scoring his first goal for the club.

The 24-year-old, who has also earned his first call up to Danny Blind’s Holland side, says the football in England is “much quicker”.

“At Southampton I am learning so much in every game I play, much more than I did in two years at Celtic,” said Van Dijk, who joined Celtic From Groningen in June 2013.

“I feel I have started quite well. I’ve played five games and it has been tough. The standard is much quicker than in Scotland.

“The ball is like a pinball machine. You have to concentrate. It took me some time to get used to it but I’m doing all right now,” he added.