“Great player”: Virgil van Dijk heaps praise on £36m Tottenham & Manchester United target

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Virgil van Dijk has been speaking to the media about Jurrien Timber with Tottenham and Manchester United keen to sign him.

The Liverpool colossus has been playing alongside the 21-year-old for the Netherlands during this international break, where the Ajax wonderkid has actually managed to shove £68m man Matthijs de Ligt out of the starting XI.

Having witnessed Timber’s talents first hand, it is safe to say that Van Dijk rates his fellow countryman highly.

Tottenham & Manchester United eyeing a gem

It is said that both Antonio Conte and Erik ten Hag are eyeing the Dutchman, who Ajax slapped a £36m price tag on.

However, following praise from Van Dijk amid an outstanding start to the campaign, that sum could even double by the end of the season.

Speaking about Timber, the Liverpool No.4 told VI: “I wasn’t nearly as far along as he is now. I have nothing but praise for him. He is a great player and a true professional. He has so much potential. Hopefully he can develop further.”

Now, that speaks volumes.

Van Dijk is arguably the best central defender in Europe, so for him to say that Timber is better than he was at the age of 21 is quite the statement.

So far this season, the Ajax sensation has made ten appearances in all competitions for the Dutch giants, including a starting role in all seven Eredivisie outings.

Tottenham & Manchester United won’t appreciate Van Dijk comments

When a young defensive talent like Timber is given the seal of approval by someone as accomplished as Van Dijk, even that is enough to add another £10m onto his price tag.

Therefore, we feel Tottenham and Manchester United won’t be too happy about these comments.

Nevertheless, when you’re playing as well as Timber is on both the domestic and international scene, praise will undoubtedly come your way, as will interest from Europe’s elite sides.

Hopefully, the Utrecht-born talent can avoid any serious injuries, and continue his development as the heir to Van Dijk’s throne – he looks set to reach the very top.