CelticBhoy

Kills me inside saying it, however - enjoy lads! Someone asked yesterday what players of old would I compare him to, well I think Larent Blanc (except more dominant and body built). Classy player, comfortable with the ball at his feet, strong and intimidating and could score for fun as a defender. Also willing to travel with the ball, stretch out the opposing team and help create chances. Maybe not as refined (just yet) as Blanc, however he very well could be. One thing which has been disappointing is the fact he hasn't been called up for the Netherlands, they have been crying out for someone of his ilk, yet he is shunned. This due to the sole fact he plied his trade in the SPFL. He'll get called up straight away - no doubt about it, now that he is in the EPL. Obviously the SPFL does not have Dutch players as good as the De Boer brothers, Van Bronckhorst, Numan, Petta, venegoor of Hesselink and Pierre Van Hooijdonk etc. However when a team like the Netherlands plays a banger like Braffheid in the WC final, it really makes you laugh when they don't select VVD. I mean Bruma, Kongolo, Tete, Willems and Rijn are so un-inspiring to say the least. Van Dijk has been swell for us. Strong, dominant, comfortable with the ball, a winner, a leader, passionate - and has an eye for goal (9 goals, not bad for a CB). He's a real footballer. He may take time adjusting to a better league - all players do, however that shan't take long I doubt. He'll iron out the creases in no time. Good luck for the rest of the season - I hope he's ace and you sell him for mega bucks (so we can make more money, but obviously you want to keep him).

Aw man, since our euro calamity I haven't even been enjoying football. The thought of VVD leaving is killing me inside. The guys is seer quality - moreso than Wanyama - he could do Wanyama's job and more, easily. Tall, strong, great passer and an eye for goal. 9 goals with us which is not bad for a CB. Silky as you say aswell. He was in the 2012/13 Eredivisie team of the season aswell when we signed him at just 21/22. He stroll's the game up here with ease - obviously. I think sometimes his concentration goes a miss but that is bound to happen when you don't really need to step out 2nd gear playing in Scotland (although not all our teams are as bad as made out and for a country of 5 million, we do well). I think he may take a few games to get to speed with the EPL, it's a different game when your going to one of the top 5 leagues. However that is to be expected. He'll iron out his creases and aclimitise in no time.

I didn't say they have technically gifted players specifically, just that they can leave the fancy stuff to A more technically gifted player and leave the knitty gritty to Wanyama. A bit like Makalele - couldn't really pass or score that well but he helped protect the back wall and break up play. Makes you back four feel confident and composed. Although Wanyama is not at Makalele.

Hi guys, there's quite a few of you on ours so I thought I'd join here - quite interesting reads. Literally just to ask a question - what sell on percentage do we have for the big guy. We all have our 'ideas' but nobody really has any clue, maybe you guys do. We all have a soft spot for Southampton on our end - good club, nice fans (bar this one w*nker on our forum) and a soul - unlike other EPL teams. Know how it feels continuously having to buy and sell, repeating the process ad infinitum. Its heartbreaking as a fan and you really question your beliefs in football sometimes. Can't say I feel that sorry for you guys (tongue firmly in cheek). At least you guys get a bucket load of cash and can spend quite a bit, paying big wages. You (sort of) get to buy an established player. Whilst he may not be polished most of the time, it's more than we can hope for. As for Wanyama, I don't have as glowing an opinion of him as other Celtic fans do. He's a £12m brick wall in my mind - a battering ram. However, at his best he is very effective at what he does. A Tottenham or Arsenal could really do with that sort of player and leave the fancy stuff to other more tchnically gifted players. He hasn't progressed as much as we thought he would: vision, passing, shooting and reading the game. Still sloppy and and quite a bumbling player. I certainly don't think he's as good as he believes. His agent is a right tool. Far too much to say for himself and money orientated. I wouldn't be surprised if he was engineering all of this unrest. Unfortunately these African lads are mislead wildly by agents who take advantage of the players and their families, due to the crippling financial difficulties they face at home. Anyway, good luck for the season ahead!