Southampton’s super defensive record down to team effort, says Van Dijk

A shoo-in for fantasy football teams across the country, Virgil van Dijk has been a rock at the back for Southampton so far this season.

Another clean sheet in a 0-0 draw against Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the Europa League last night, means that is now five games in a row without conceding for Claude Puel’s side.

Keeping that defensive solidarity is crucial to van Dijk, but the Dutch centre-half suggests that it is the entire team, not just the backline, that need to take credit for their defensive record.

“The defenders are not defending by themselves,” said the 25-year-old.

(Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

“I think it starts up front and everybody can be proud of themselves, and hopefully we can keep this run going.”

Southampton travel to the Premier League champions Leicester City on Sunday.

And van Dijk is fully aware of the importance of building momentum from their impressive record.

“Sunday is going to be a massive game again – a great opponent, and I’m going to be ready for it, so I’m looking forward to it already,” he added.

“We have a good run going at the moment and hopefully we can continue that for the weekend as well.”