Redmond: Virgil is Saints’ saviour

Virgil van Dijk has been linked with a January move away from Southampton but his teammate Nathan Redmond hopes the centreback sticks around.

Saints have seven clean sheets and counting this season and Dutch international van Dijk has been a key part of that defensive solidity.

But with Man City rumoured to be pondering a big money bid in January, there are fears that the 25-year-old could be on his way.

And winger Redmond admits he would be a big loss to Claude Puel’s Saints side who sit seventh in the Premier League at Christmas.

“He’s one of the best centre-halves I’ve played with. His performances have spoken for themselves recently,” said Redmond.

“It’s good because if I’m playing against one of the best in the league in training, it’s only going to help me.

(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

“He’s composed, calm on the ball, quick, athletic and he has popped up with some fantastic defensive displays. His all-round game is very strong.

“He’s a strong presence in the dressing room. He’s a great character and gets on with all the boys.”