OptiNews - Friday 29 December 2017 to Thursday 04 January 2018

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 01/01/2018 10:56:10

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| Southampton eye move for £25m-rated striker as January transfer window opensFOOTBALLFANCAST |
| | Liverpool battling for 19-year-old to add to Van DijkMEDIAREFEREE |

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“We can build on the performance at #MUFC and take it into Tuesday.”

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Sourced from Daily Mail article

Virgil van Dijk poses in a Liverpool shirt for the first time

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Virgil van Dijk has worn a Liverpool shirt for the first time after completing his £75m move from Southampton on Monday.

The Reds splashed out a record-breaking deal for the Dutch defender in December after going close to securing his signature in the summer.

The 26-year-old will not be able to play against Burnley on New Year’s Day but could make his debut in the FA Cup third round clash with Everton.

His record-breaking move to Liverpool was finalised on Wednesday, and he told the club website: 'I am happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started.

'I think the most important thing is the size of the club, the culture of the club, the players, the manager and obviously the fans, who make the club this special.

'With the history at the club and everything around it – even the training ground and stuff – it is just a perfect, perfect match for me, and a perfect match for my family as well.

Van Dijk was at Anfield on Saturday to watch Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Leicester, with Mohamed Salah scoring twice in a comeback victory.

‘I think it’ll be something special,’ he said. 'I think Anfield is a very special stadium and it is my home right now as well.

'I am just looking forward to being on the pitch, especially as a [home] player at the stadium. It’s going to be nice, especially the evening games and the European nights.

'I hope to win trophies. Every player wants to win trophies and with this squad we have and the progress the club is making, I think we are very close to it.

‘Obviously we still need to do it and we will see what the future brings.’

Manager Jurgen Klopp said in the week: 'He has to adapt to our style of play. It is completely different but we are 100 per cent sure he will do it. I am happy it is finally done but there is no rush.

'I can imagine people will think, ‘Wow, what a number it is’ but for me the fee is not really interesting. We do not make the price, the market makes the price and the first thing all Liverpool supporters should forget quite soon is the price.

‘We only talk about the player and what he can bring in, his qualities, mentality and character. That is why we are really happy about it.’

Klopp admitted Van Dijk’s fitness issues were a concern as he only played 16 times for Southampton in 2017, including 12 this season following Liverpool’s failed attempt to sign him in August.

‘It was probably not his best half of the season at Southampton,’ Klopp said. ‘He was injured and then we know about the things that happened last summer.’

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Sourced from The Telegraph article

Virgil van Dijk says he ‘can’t do anything’ about £75m fee after completing Liverpool transfer

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Virgil van Dijk says Liverpool is the “perfect match” for him after his world record move from Southampton was officially completed.

As Telegraph Sport exclusively revealed, the 26-year-old’s switch from the Saints was agreed last week, but with the January transfer window now open his deal, worth £75million - the highest fee ever paid for a defender, is now sealed.

The Dutchman told Liverpool’s official website: “With the history at the club and everything around it - even the training ground and stuff - it is just a perfect, perfect match for me, and for my family as well.”

Van Dijk, who has signed what Liverpool have said is a “long-term contract” at Anfield, is not concerned about his price tag weighing heavy. The transfer fee eclipses the £54m spent by Manchester City to sign England full-back Kyle Walker from Tottenham last summer.

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Sourced from Mirror.co.uk article

Virgil van Dijk unveiled by Liverpool as £75million deal becomes official

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World’s most expensive defender Virgil van Dijk is officially a Liverpool player after the January transfer window opened.

Van Dijk has been unveiled by the Reds in an extensive photo shoot which shows the delighted former Southampton and Celtic star in Liverpool’s range of kits.

The Dutchman completed the deal last week but it couldn’t been finalised until the window was declared open.

Van Dijk watched on from the director’s box at Anfield as his new teammates beat Leicester 2-1 on Saturday.

He was at Melwood on Sunday surveying his new home and posed as he signed on the dotted line in pictures released this morning.

“I am happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started," he told Liverpoolfc.com.

“I think the most important thing is the size of the club, the culture of the club, the players, the manager and obviously the fans, who make the club this special.

“With the history at the club and everything around it – even the training ground and stuff – it is just a perfect, perfect match for me, and a perfect match for my family as well.”

He will be available for the FA Cup clash with Everton on January 5 but is likely to have to wait to make his debut.

Liverpool’s next clash after the Merseyside derby is against Manchester City on January 14.

“I think it’ll be something special,” he said. “I think Anfield is a very special stadium and it is my home right now as well.

“I am just looking forward to being on the pitch, especially as a [home] player at the stadium. It’s going to be nice, especially the evening games and the European nights.”

After completing the switch, he said: "I can’t wait to pull on the famous red shirt for the first time in front of the Kop.

"I will give everything I have to try and help this great club achieve something special in the years to come.

“I’m now looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting started.”

Jurgen Klopp has dismissed suggestions Van Dijk’s arrival will lead to Philippe Coutinho leaving the club.

There have been suggestions Barcelona will make another move for the Brazilian when the transfer window opens.

Van Dijk is intent on winning silverware at the club.

He said: “I hope to win trophies. Every player wants to win trophies and with this squad we have and the progress the club is making, I think we are very close to it.

“Obviously we still need to do it and we will see what the future brings.”

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 01/01/2018 11:57:04

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| Gini: Van Dijk signing has excited everyone at LFCLIVFCNET |
| | Get your Virgil van Dijk Liverpool shirt nowLIVFCNET |
| | Photo gallery: VVD seals Liverpool switch at MelwoodLIVFCNET |
| | Virgil van Dijk: 10 facts about LFC’s new signingLIVFCNET |
| | Photos: Van Dijk watches Reds beat Leicester CityLIVFCNET |
| | Gallery: Virgil van Dijk’s career so far in photographsLIVFCNET |
| | FSF + Fans Seek Premier League PromiseVITALFOOTBALL |
| | Virgil van Dijk: Liverpool are the perfect, perfect match for meLIVFCNET |
| | Officials - Southampton v Crystal Palace (2/1/18)VITALFOOTBALL |
| | In pictures: Van Dijk’s first Melwood training sessionLIVFCNET |
| | Will Southampton use Van Dijk bonanza to take Walcott home? | Just Arsenal NewsJUSTARSENALNEWS |
| | Southampton and Everton interested in signing Theo Walcott with loan and permanent deal being discussedIBTIMES |

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:soccer: @Mattytargett
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Vote for your @Sure #SaintsFC Goal of the Month for Decembe… https://twitter.com/i/web/status/947808137372876801

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Sourced from Daily Star article

Antonio Conte angry with Chelsea board for missing out on Virgil van Dijk - Phil Thompson

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Liverpool agreed a world-record £75m for the Southampton defender last week, who will link up with the Reds today.

The Blues and Manchester City were linked with a move for the former Celtic star, who handed in a transfer request at St. Mary’s in the summer.

And Reds hero Thompson says Conte will be upset about Chelsea not being able to outbid Liverpool for Van Dijk, adding that the Blues must sign a new centre-half.

“They’re a fine team but I think if you scratch beneath that main 11 there’s not a lot there to come through,” Thompson told Sky Sports.

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 01/01/2018 12:57:19

| | Manchester United Player Ratings vs Southampton: De Gea the saviour again; Mkhitaryan in shamblesTHEHARDTACKLE |
| | THICKACCENT |
| | Mauricio Pellegrino makes honest admission about van Dijk | FutnSoccerFUTNSOCCER |
| | Van Dijk delight over ‘perfect’ Liverpool switchFOURFOURTWO |
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| Virgil van Dijk: The first LFC interview in fullLIVFCNET |
| | What Man Utd player Ashley Young said after ‘elbowing’ Southampton starMANEVNEWS |
| | Liverpool officially unveil record signing Virgil van DijkTHISISANFIELD |

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Sourced from talkSPORT article

Liverpool FC: Virgil van Dijk completes Anfield switch and says Reds are ‘perfect match’

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Virgil van Dijk says Liverpool is the “perfect match” for him after his world record move from Southampton was officially completed.

The 26-year-old’s switch from the Saints was agreed last week, but with the January transfer window now open his deal, understood to be worth £75million - the highest fee ever paid for a defender, is now sealed.

The Dutchman told Liverpool’s official website: “With the history at the club and everything around it - even the training ground and stuff - it is just a perfect, perfect match for me, and for my family as well.”

Van Dijk, who has signed what Liverpool have said is a “long-term contract” at Anfield, is not concerned about his price tag weighing heavy.

The transfer fee eclipses the £54m spent by Manchester City to sign England full-back Kyle Walker from Tottenham last summer.

“Obviously there is a lot of money being paid, but I can’t do anything about that money, I can’t do anything about the price - nobody can,” the Holland international added.

"It’s only the market. The only thing I can do is just work hard, do the good things and be 100 per cent every day. That’s what I definitely want to do - and I am going to do.

"I am happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started. I think the most important thing is the size of the club, the culture of the club, the players, the manager and obviously the fans, who make the club this special.

“I think this is the right time for me to be here and to develop all sorts of aspects of my game. I am looking forward to doing that, that’s the main thing.”

In order to reach that ambition of improving, Van Dijk believes he is working under the right man in Jurgen Klopp.

The former Groningen and Celtic defender, who will wear the number four shirt at Liverpool, said: "Since he’s come in, I think he has made a lot of progress until now and I think it is only hopefully going to get better and better. Hopefully I can contribute to that as well and keep working hard.

"Everybody obviously from a Liverpool perspective knows how he is; how lively he is, how he can make players better and give them confidence as well.

“It just suits me as well. I think he can make me a better player and I am just looking forward to working with him.”

Van Dijk is unavailable for Liverpool’s New Year’s Day game at Burnley as his registration will not be concluded in time.

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Sourced from Sky Sports article

Dusan Tadic ‘disappointed’ at Ashley Young elbow incident in Man Utd v Southampton clash

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Southampton’s Dusan Tadic says he was surprised to be the victim of an elbow from Ashley Young during Saturday’s goalless draw at Manchester United.

Television footage emerged of United wing-back Young appearing to elbow Tadic in the stomach as the hosts prepared to defend a corner in the second half of the Premier League clash at Old Trafford.

Young, 32, was charged by the Football Association with violent conduct and has since accepted a three-match ban.

Saints midfielder Tadic, who made little of the matter on the field at the time, gave his version of events to reporters after the game.

The Serbia international said: "Yes, he elbowed me and I asked him, ‘Why did you do this?’

“I can fall down but it was really strange because I didn’t expect that from him.”

Tadic insists he did not provoke Young in the build-up to the incident, which was not spotted by referee Craig Pawson.

“No, no, no, nothing,” said the 29-year-old. "I was surprised, and then next corner I asked him, ‘why did you do that?’, and he said, ‘I didn’t do anything’.

"I said, ‘You didn’t do anything? You elbowed me in the stomach without reason’.

“OK, if you want to push… but an elbow is different.”

Asked if Young should have have been sent off, Tadic said: "Yes, but normally you cannot see that.

“I’m disappointed because you don’t expect that from him. He’s an experienced player and he cannot do that, I think.”

Southampton have not won in eight matches but the result at Old Trafford was an encouraging one after their 5-2 Boxing Day thrashing by Tottenham.

“We showed great character and in some moments we could have taken three points, but we are happy to get a point against such a good team,” said Tadic.

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Palace reunion “massive” for McCarthy

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The goalkeeper marked his league debut for the club with a clean sheet against Manchester United on Saturday as Saints came away from Old Trafford with a goalless draw.

Now McCarthy has his sights set on ending Saints’ eight-match winless run at the expense of some familiar faces.

“It’s massive,” he said of the Palace game. “With the performance we showed, we can build on that, take it into Tuesday’s game and hopefully get the three points.

“I played against them (Palace) in the cup a couple of seasons ago, but to beat them in the Premier League would be nice and obviously we need the three points.”

The Old Trafford appearance was McCarthy’s first in the Premier League since Palace hosted Liverpool in March 2016.

“I was excited to be back on the pitch,” he added. “I’ve had a tough couple of years with injury, but the main thing for me is to stay fit and keep pushing.

“I want to keep improving. We’ve got a good group of goalkeepers here and we’re always pushing each other every day.”

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 01/01/2018 13:57:31

| | Virgil Van Dijk reveals the reason he was so desperate to join Liverpool all alongGIVEMESPORT |
| | Van Dijk speaks - and reveals how Klopp convinced himGOLIVERPOOL |
| | Liverpool fans will love what Virgil van Dijk said to the club’s official websiteGIVEMESPORT |
| | Manchester United’s Ashley Young banned by the FA for three matchesTHEPEOPLESPERSON |
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| Van Dijk says Liverpool are ‘perfect’ for him after completing Anfield switchBTSPORT |

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#SaintsFC’s game against #CPFC will be the final chance to support @SportPesa_UK’s #KitsForAfrica campaign: http://sfcne.ws/K4APalace

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Sourced from BBC article

Southampton’s Sofiane Boufal: No World Cup Pressure on Morocco

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Southampton winger Sofiane Boufal says there will be no pressure on Morocco when his nation head to Russia for the World Cup later this year.

Morocco return to the tournament for the first time since 1998.

“I’m so happy and so proud to be in this team because we had a very good qualification,” Boufal told BBC Sport.

“The most important thing now is to have a good World Cup. We have nothing to lose. We need to play without pressure and hope to do well.”

The 24-year-old added he needs to impress for his Premier League club between now and the World Cup to enhance his chances of making the squad heading to Russia.

“I want to have a good season and help my club to be in a better position and to also have a good season to be part of the World Cup team,” said Boufal.

He has scored twice in 18 appearances this season for Southampton as he establishes himself at the club after a difficult first season.

Boufal joined Southampton, for a then club-record fee of £16 million, from French side Lille in the summer of 2016 but he arrived with a knee injury and only made his debut in October 2016

As a result of the injuries he also missed the last Africa Cup of Nations but now he is back to full fitness and wants to help his club do well.

“I passed the difficult moment and all is behind me now. I want to see the future now that I am feeling good,” he added.

“I feel fit and I hope to continue to progress but the most important thing is the team.”

Morocco are in Group B at the World Cup alongside Iran, European champions Portugal and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

They will play their first World Cup game in 20 years, against Iran on 15 June in St Petersburg.

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@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

#SaintsFC’s game against #CPFC will be the final chance to support @SportPesa_UK’s #KitsForAfrica campaign: http://sfcne.ws/K4APalaceH

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Sourced from Mirror.co.uk article

How the Liverpool dressing room reacted to Van Dijk’s £75m transfer revealed

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Georginio Wijnaldum has spoken out about how the Liverpool dressing room reacted to the news Virgil van Dijk had signed.

The Reds parted with £75million to land the Holland international, who was unveiled on the day the January transfer window opened.

His fellow countryman spoke about why he is so delighted the former Southampton defender is finally a Reds player.

He also insisted that the 26-year-old - who is regarded one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League - can get even better.

“I’m really happy, of course,” Wijnaldum told liverpoolfc.com.

"He is not only my teammate now but is also a friend of mine. I’ve played together with him for the national team.

"I’m happy that he’s coming – now I’m not the only Dutch player!

Revealing how the Liverpool squad reacted to the news of the signing, Wijnaldum admitted everyone is “excited”.

He said: "Liverpool is a big club that will always sign big players.

"In the squad, everyone will be happy if big players come to the club because it gives you a better chance of winning games and winning trophies.

“Everyone is excited, not only the players but also the fans and the people at the club. We’re always excited if players choose Liverpool [when] they could also choose other teams.”

Liverpool had attempted to sign Van Dijk over the summer, with the player even handing in a transfer request in a bid to push through the move, but Southampton dug in their heels.

Wijnaldum explained why he is happy the club retained their interest in the defender, as he believes he can get even better in the future.

“Every player can always improve,” he said. He will improve. He is going to work with good players, a good manager and good technical staff.

“That will help him to be a better player. I think he will improve.”

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Sourced from Sky Sports article

Romeu: We all need to look at ourselves

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Southampton’s Oriol Romeu says finger pointing won’t help fix their poor form this season, and how they are determined to put things right.

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 01/01/2018 14:57:44

| | Algerian Ramy Bensebaini could be heading to the English Premier LeagueAFRICANFOOTBALLCOM |
| | Van Dijk’s first LFC interview is absolute goldenEMPIREOFTHEKOP |
| | Crystal Palace linked with move for Spanish midfielderCROYDONADVERTISER |
| | What Ashley Young said to Dusan Tadic after elbowing him is simply delusionalGIVEMESPORT |

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Sourced from Daily Star article

Man Utd star Ashley Young’s elbow victim Dusan Tadic opens up on violent incident

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Ashley Young has been banned for three games

Young, 32, was charged with violent conduct after clashing with the midfielder during Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Old Trafford.

The England international and has since accepted the accusation and will miss today’s clash with Everton and two more games.

Tadic says he was baffled by Young’s reaction to what was no more than the usual jostling in the penalty area.

The Serbia international said: "Yes, he elbowed me and I asked him, ‘Why did you do this?’

“I can fall down but it was really strange because I didn’t expect that from him.”

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