NewsWhy Ronaldinho was Virgil van Dijk's first football idol
By Chris Shaw
The Liverpool captain, born in 1991, has of course gone on to become one of the most respected centre-backs of his own generation, winning a host of major honours since joining the club almost seven years ago.
But it was actually a flamboyant and talented attacker among Brazil’s best of all time with whom the young Van Dijk was bewitched.
In an interview with Star India this week, the Dutchman was asked for his earliest idol in the game and instantly replied: “Ronaldinho.”
Pressed to explain why, Van Dijk continued: “I played a lot of football on the streets when I was younger and obviously then you play multiple opponents and you play all over [the pitch].
“When I was younger I really liked to do the tricks, so yeah, he was my idol.”
By Chris Shaw
Latest news
NewsLFC hosts sustainability panel at New York Climate Week with US sports leaders
AcademyU18s preview: Marc Bridge-Wilkinson on character, learning and Rio Ngumoha
Stream11am BST: Watch Arne Slot's pre-Wolves press conference
Stream6.55pm BST: Watch live U21s football - Arsenal v Liverpool
StreamSaturday: Live U18s football - watch Liverpool v Newcastle