Southampton star Virgil van Dijk has told the Dutch media Ronald Koeman could one of the favourites to take the Netherlands manager’s job.
Koeman is currently out of work after being sacked by Everton last month, and he’s been linked with the Oranje job.
Speaking to De Telegraaf, Van Dijk was asked about the former Everton and Southampton boss replacing Dirk Advocaat: “It’s clear Koeman could be a favourite for me. I am grateful to him for bringing me to the Premier League and having a good relationship with him. He is a coach of very high quality, but I have nothing to say about it.”
Koeman signed Van Dijk from Celtic in 2015 when the Dutchman was the Southampton manager. At the time Van Dijk was Southampton’s record signing when they paid Celtic £13m. Under Koeman, the 26 year old flourished as a player, which eventually led to his debut with the Netherlands national team.
In May 2016 the central defender signed a six year contract extension with Southampton, but Koeman left for Everton a month later.
Since Koeman’s departure from Southampton Van Dijk has had his run-ins with the club’s hierarchy, after demanding a transfer from the Premier League side.
ND
