Van Dijk ignores critics

LIVERPOOL’S club-record signing Virgil van Dijk expects his every move to be scrutinised but insists it does not concern him.

The Holland international became the world’s most expensive defender a month ago after his £75 million move from Southampton but has been viewed as the answer to the Reds’ problems at the back for much longer.

Because manager Jurgen Klopp was prepared to wait six months to get his No 1 transfer target, there is a huge expectation on the Dutchman to provide an instant fix.

While he has already made a difference i n t he four matches he has played, Van Dijk is still far from his best having missed a large part of 2017 through i njury but accepts his price tag and reputation make him a target.

“I can’t do anything about that. Obviously, there are so many eyes on me but I am just keeping my head down and playing,” he said.

“Everybody can say what they want but I am working hard every day and I am getting back to where I need to be with the help of everyone here. I am just doing my thing.

“I have been out for eight months — last January until September — and I didn’t play at Premier League level.

“It is not easy to come back, especially when I have made such a big step, as now with all the eyes on me they look at every small detail.

“Other people will talk and have their opinions. There is nothing I can do about that. You are always going to be judged but it is not like it is something really strange at the moment.

“I know because I made such a big step right now, for a lot of money, everything is going to analysed.”

Craig Wighton