Van Dijk to roll out the red carpet

Virgil van Dijk’s ability to settle in quickly at Southampton last summer saw him hit the ground running in the Premier League and now he intends to be as hospitable as possible to his new team-mates to ensure they make the same impact.

Van Dijk made an £11.5million switch to St Mary’s from Celtic 12 months ago, and went on to be named both the fans’ and players’ player of the season as the Saints finished sixth and achieved Europa League qualification.

A summer of upheaval has ensued regardless, with Claude Puel replacing Ronald Koeman as manager, while Victor Wanyama, Saido Mane and Graziano Pelle have all departed.

(Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)

But Nathan Redmond has led a list of new arrivals and Van Dijk is heading the welcoming committee.

“They have settled in very well,” he said.

“Personally as well, when I came here last season I think the boys made it so easy for me to settle in.

“I think I did it for them as well, and other players the same, how they did it with me.

“It’s so easy here and it’s all about showing your qualities on the pitch and all the new lads are players full of quality.”