Former Club Pays Stunning Tribute to Liverpool Legend Virgil van Dijk
Netherlands-based club Willem II has paid tribute to former academy player Virgil van Dijk by dedicating a stand in honor of the Liverpool defender.
The 34-year-old stands among the finest defenders in contemporary football and has established himself as a dominant presence since his 2018 move to Liverpool, featuring in more than 300 matches for the club while capturing football's most prestigious trophies during his Anfield tenure. He is commonly considered the premier active centre-back in world football.
However, Van Dijk's professional journey started in Holland with Willem II. The defender progressed through the club's youth academy for 11 years before transferring to Groningen in 2010, and although he never featured in their first team, he maintains strong connections to the Tilburg club.
The Liverpool captain has been instrumental in organizing the Virgil's Legacy Trophy competition—an Under-13 tournament featuring all the clubs Van Dijk has played for during his career.
Liverpool, Southampton, Celtic, Groningen and Willem II will participate alongside 11 additional teams in the Tilburg tournament this September. In recognition of this event, Willem II have renamed the primary stand at their youth facility as the Virgil van Dijk Tribune.
"This fills me with immense pride," Van Dijk commented about the honor. "Willem II has been crucial in my life and in shaping me as a young footballer.
"Having this acknowledged in such a manner means everything to me and my loved ones. It represents a truly meaningful gesture and I value the warmth and bond I continue to share with the club."
Willem II's general manager Merijn Goris stated: "Virgil represents so much to Willem II and our youth development program. We felt compelled to offer him something permanent.
"This recognition serves not only as gratitude for reviving the international youth competition, but also as motivation for our young players. Virgil exemplifies what dedication and determination can accomplish. Through this honor, we demonstrate to our youth that aspirations can become reality."