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Maya Yoshida admits it will be 'really tough' to stay in Southampton team now Virgil van Dijk is available

Related Topics: Virgil van Dijk, Maya Yoshida

Southampton defender Maya Yoshida knows Virgil van Dijk's return to the squad will make it even more difficult to hold down a place in the starting line-up.

But Yoshida says the increased competition can only be good for the Saints.

Van Dijk, who has not started for Southampton since suffering an ankle injury in January, was the subject of transfer interest from Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea in the summer.

Maya Yoshida has started six of Southampton's seven games in all competitions this season
Maya Yoshida has started six of Southampton's seven games in all competitions this season
The Japanese kept the Saints tight at the back in Saturday's 1-0 loss to Manchester United
The Japanese kept the Saints tight at the back in Saturday's 1-0 loss to Manchester United
But Yoshida is aware that his starting place in now under threat from Virgil van Dijk (above)
But Yoshida is aware that his starting place in now under threat from Virgil van Dijk (above)

But Southampton managed to hold onto the Dutchman and now have him available for selection again.