Charlie Mulgrew shared insights on *Undr the Cosh* podcast about the first time he realized Virgil van Dijk’s potential during their time at Celtic. Mulgrew, a key part of Celtic’s squad during van Dijk’s arrival, recalled a behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly against Crewe Alexandra. He described how van Dijk, signed for £2.5 million from Groningen, made an immediate impression by confidently striding forward with the ball and striking a powerful shot off the underside of the bar.
Despite early promise, van Dijk faced challenges adapting to the physicality of the Scottish game. Mulgrew pointed to a particular lesson during a Champions League qualifier against Shakhter Karagandy. The Dutch defender struggled against their robust striker, leading to his exclusion from the return leg after Celtic lost 2-0 away. However, Mulgrew emphasized that this experience was crucial in van Dijk’s development, as he quickly learned from the setback and went on to secure his spot in the team.
Van Dijk’s time at Celtic laid the foundation for a remarkable career. After winning two Scottish Premiership titles and a League Cup in Glasgow, he moved to Southampton for £13 million, where he caught the eye of Liverpool. The Dutch defender then made a £75 million switch to Anfield, becoming one of the top defenders in the modern game, winning major honors and captaining Liverpool and the Dutch national team.
Reflecting on his time in Scotland on *The Rest is Football* podcast, van Dijk spoke fondly of his experiences at Celtic, emphasizing how it prepared him for the next steps in his career. He appreciated the new environment and culture, and he and his wife welcomed their first child during their time in Glasgow, which he described as an important phase in both his life and career.
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