Celtic manager Neil Lennon has tipped Virgil van Dijk for a spot in Netherlands World Cup squad after a number of impressive performances.
- By Michael Bell
Celtic host Ajax in the Champions League on Tuesday, and Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal will be present at the game, and able to cast an eye on Van Dijk.
The Dutch centre back has impressed since joining the SPL champions from Groningen in the summer, and Neil Lennon has tipped him to make Netherlands World Cup squad,
He said, “I’d like to think Virgil would get a chance with his country,”
“Holland are a top, top team but for me he’s been exceptional this season. He’s got everything you want in a modern-day centre half. He just gives us an extra dimension. His physical presence is great and unlike a lot of Dutch defenders he actually likes heading the ball.”
“He’s got a great spring and timing and he’s been pretty dominant for us. He just needs to keep going and keep catching the eye. Certainly his performances in the Champions League will do that.”
“I don’t want to put any extra pressure on to Virgil, but I think it is inevitable if he keeps going and progressing the way that he is just now that he will become a Dutch international. He is a natural, a quality player.”