JUST 25 miles separate Nigel Lonwijk’s hometown of Goirle from Breda, the birthplace of his footballing hero, Virgil van Dijk.

Shane Long once pulled a prank on Virgil Van Dijk that left the Dutch superstar 'raging' during their time as teammates at Southampton. While both were playing for the Saints, the duo clashed on International duty when the Republic of Ireland took on Netherlands in a pre-Euro 2016 friendly at the Aviva Stadium.

Considered one of Liverpool's best defenders in recent times, Virgil Van Dijk's relentless presence makes him a pillar of the team's defence. Because his contract expires next summer, Liverpool is already looking at possible successors,

Liverpool are currently in the middle of a difficult run that will see them play seven matches in just 21 days and Virgil van Dijk has called on his team to be ready for what’s to come.

Former Southampton striker Shane Long has revealed he left Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk fuming with a training ground prank. The pair played together at St Mary's before the Dutchman's then-world-record transfer to Anfield.

Liverpool are aiming to replace their captain Virgil van Dijk with one of three targets their fierce rivals Manchester United have recently pursued. United bolstered their centre back department significantly in the summer with the purchases of Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt.

Virgil van Dijk has entered the final year of his Liverpool contract and is currently set to leave the club on a free transfer next summer with the club now making a shortlist of potential replacements.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been praised by a former teammate-turned opponent. The Reds are currently sweating over the future of the centre-back, who is in the last year of his contract

Virgil van Dijk is determined for Liverpool not to get into the 'habit' of losing games at home.The Reds suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest after the September international