PARIS Virgil van Dijk is determined to become a “Liverpool legend”, with the Dutch defender looking to build on his standing as atalismanic presence in Jurgen Klopp’s squad. Since being snapped up from Southampton in January 2018, the Netherlands international has enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence on Merseyside. A£75million ($92m)transfer package was required to secure his services, but an immediate return has been offered on that investment. Van Dijk is the reigning UEFAPlayeroftheYearand ran Barcelona icon Lionel Messi closeinthelastBallond’Orvote. The 28-year-oldhasproved to be one of the final pieces in the puzzle for a Liverpool side that had been starved of success before enjoying a trophy-laden 2019. He is already firmly established as a fan favourite at Anfield, but the intention is to ensure that his legacy lives on long past the end of his playing days. Van Dijk told Sport when asked how he would like to be remembered when the time comesto retire: “As aLiverpool legend. “Iwanttoachieveincredible things here. We have a fantastic team,wedon’tlackanything,we haveallthetoolsnecessarytoon winning: a coach that we identifywith,aversatilesquad,astyle ofplaythatbreedsvictories,astadium and supporters that play their part. “Yes, I wouldliketo be one of those players that return to Anfield after retiring. I see club legends at games and I feel part of a really big family.—AP
