Back to the Southampton Newsfeed

Virgil van Dijk fires cracking training ground free kick ahead of south-coast derby with Brighton... while Southampton boss Mauricio Pellgrino backs struggling Sofiane Boufal

Related Topics: Virgil van Dijk, Sofiane Boufal

Virgil van Dijk has continued his resurgence to Southampton first-team favour as the defender steps up his rehab with a thunderous free kick in training.

The Dutchman has been at the centre of any news coming out of St Mary's since the summer after his transfer request and proposed Liverpool move fell through.

The 26-year-old missed the Saints' first four games Premier League games, while he recovered from an ankle injury suffered in January, only to make a dire return to football losing 4-0 against Aston Villa for Saints' under 23.

Virgil van Dijk steps up his training as he hopes to regain Southampton faith
Virgil van Dijk steps up his training as he hopes to regain Southampton faith
The Dutchman smiles during the session ahead of south-coast derby clash with Brighton
The Dutchman smiles during the session ahead of south-coast derby clash with Brighton
Van Dijk looks right at home again as he watches on with Nathan Redmond at Staplewood
Van Dijk looks right at home again as he watches on with Nathan Redmond at Staplewood

But the defender, who is still subject to an Anfield move come January, looks well and truly on the road to recovery after firing a rocket free kick at Staplewood.