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Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk believes that one stadium in world football has an atmosphere on par with Anfield. The Dutchman, since moving to Merseyside back in 2018, has been a part of multiple matches which have taken place in a cauldron of noise.
From the iconic comeback against Barcelona to the 3-0 home win against Manchester City, the stadium can be utterly raucous on the biggest of occasions. Van Dijk experienced both of these matches first-hand, and would certainly not deny that Liverpool’s iconic home has one of the best atmospheres in world football.
However, it’s not the only ground he holds in high regard. The defender admitted in an interview that one stadium could rival Anfield’s environment.
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The Dutchman cited the club’s influence on him as a aspiring youngster.
Van Dijk on ‘Special’ Stadium
Speaking in 2018 shortly after making his £75m transfer from Southampton to Liverpool, Van Dijk was asked how he felt about the transfer. And in his response, as per the Scottish Sun, he revealed that he thought that Anfield’s atmosphere was up there with what he experienced at Celtic Park.
Parkhead is renowned for its incredible climate on game days, with many players past and present stating that it is one of the best. Rio Ferdinand admitted the ground had the best atmosphere he played in, and Van Dijk reserved similar praise for it.
“Obviously I have played in the Champions League with Celtic and that was very special as well.
“Liverpool is up there as well with the atmosphere and the fans.”
It’s not the only time that the Dutch defender has praised his former club’s ground. In an interview with ESPN, via the Mirror, he hailed Anfield as “special” before adding: “Celtic Park was outstanding as well, I enjoyed every bit there, so it might be a bit similar.”
Van Dijk’s Celtic Career
Dutch defender made his mark quickly
Arriving from Dutch side Groningen, Van Dijk spent two years at Celtic, making a total of 115 appearances for the Bhoys. While there, he was a part of several huge games, including European matches and a single Old Firm derby.
The defender quickly became relied upon for his leadership and towering presence at the back, qualities which have since allowed him to become the best centre-back in world football today. While the dominant Dutchman helped power the Scottish giants to two league titles in each year he was there, they collectively struggled in the Champions League, only advancing to the group stages once in 2013/14, where they only recorded one victory.
Despite that, teams began to take notice of the man at the heart of their defence, and in the summer of 2015, Van Dijk moved to Southampton for £13m. But he still has fond memories of his time at Parkhead, stating in 2024 that it was an honour to pull on the Hoops’ shirt for two years.
“To be able to go to Celtic to play for such a big club, because people don’t realise how massive Celtic is, but to play the Champions League first season, and Europa League second season, for me was the perfect development.”
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