Virgil van Dijk wants to be remembered as a legend at Liverpool

Virgil van Dijk has revealed he wasn’t good enough to play as a centre back when he was 16 but is now determined to be ‘remembered as a legend’ at Anfield.

The imposing Dutch defender is now regarded among the best in the world in his position and that is reflected by Liverpool’s transformation since his arrival in January 2018.

The Reds currently sit top of the Premier League having conceded the fewest goals of any top-flight side, with Van Dijk considered a strong contender for Player of the Year. 

Liverpool’s defence has improved radically since Virgil van Dijk arrived in January 2018

The Dutchman arrived for £75million and his impact has been lauded by Liverpool fans 

But the centre back has his sights set on sitting alongside the likes of Alan Hansen, Jamie Carragher and Ron Yeats in the pantheon of Liverpool defensive greats. 

When asked how he wanted to be remembered at Anfield, Van Dijk told BBC Radio Five Live: ‘As a legend of Liverpool. 

‘I want to achieve amazing things here. We have a fantastic squad, we have everything, we have all the tools.

‘They went all out to get me and I want to give everything for them. Before I started training [(with the club), I went to the game against Leicester (in December 2017). I was in the boardroom and met so many legends, great players who played for a beautiful club.

‘When you play for this club, you’ll always be welcome as you’ve been part of the family. It’s one of the reasons I definitely wanted to play for the club.’

Helping to end Liverpool’s 29-year wait for a top-flight title would certainly help to cement his legacy at Anfield.

Liverpool have conceded the fewest number of goals – 15 – in the Premier League this season

Van Dijk is revered for his solid defending and imposing stature but that wasn’t always the case

The 6ft 4in centre back was a long-term target for the club and became the world’s most expensive defender when he signed from Southampton for an eye-watering £75million.

He has proved to be worth every penny, but according to the Holland international, he was not always good enough to play as a centre half.

During his youth days at Willem II, the 16-year-old Van Dijk was pushed out wide to right back – until a summer growth spurt.

Before signing for Groningen (pictured), Van Dijk played as a right back for Willem II before switching to the heart of defence after a growth spurt around the time he turned 17

He added: ‘I wasn’t tall until I had a growth spurt – at 16 my younger brother was getting taller than me. Over the summer I turned 17, I grew 18 centimetres.

‘My knee was a bit unstable. I had groin problems. I had so many problems, then I had proper rehab with physios and was out for six weeks. After that, I started playing well.

‘At 16, I was a slow right back and wasn’t good enough to play centre back. I was never a standout player until I played for the Under 19s and became the captain.’