The overlooked PFA XI

Centre back:

Virgil van Dijk has been a revelation in his debut season for Southampton

The Saints lost three huge defensive players this summer in the form of Toby Alderweireld, Nathaniel Clyne and Morgan Schneiderlin. In their place, Roald Koeman bought Virgil van Dijk, Cedric Soares and Jordie Classie to replace the departed with the Dutchman given the unenviable task of replacing Alderweireld who had become Southamptoon’s rock at the back.

The former Celtic man’s adaptability to the English game was questioned by many, but he has taken to the league like a duck to water. Physically strong, fast, uncompromising and to cap it all he’s got a bullet header which is a real asset in set pieces as well.