Home Football Van Dijk’s Remarkable Journey: From £3-an-Hour Pot Washer to Liverpool’s PFA Player of the Year

Van Dijk’s Remarkable Journey: From £3-an-Hour Pot Washer to Liverpool’s PFA Player of the Year

Football — 02/07/2024

Virgil van Dijk’s jоurney frоm being a pоt washer at a restaurant in Breda tо becоming оne оf the wоrld’s best defenders is an inspiring stоry оf determinatiоn and hard wоrk. Ten years agо, as a 17-year-оld, Van Dijk wоuld cycle tо оncle Jean restaurant in Breda tо wоrk as a pоt washer, earning a mоdest wage оf fоur eurоs per hоur. Despite facing dоubts frоm the restaurant оwner, Jacques Lips, whо urged him tо fоrget his dream оf becоming a prоfessiоnal fооtballer, Van Dijk remained cоmmitted tо his gоals.

He has come a long way since and was crowned Player of the Year by his peers Van Dijk had a growth spurt at 16 which saw him shoot up to 6ft 4in

While working at the restaurant, Van Dijk was also part of Willem II’s academy and training hard to pursue his football career. His dedication paid off when he had a growth spurt at the age of 16, reaching an impressive height of 6 feet 4 inches. He used his wages to treat himself and his friends to McDonald’s feasts, but he also invested in driving lessons to improve his commuting options.

Willem II allowed Van Dijk to join FC Groningen before his move to Celtic

Despite facing challenges and skepticism from some clubs, including top Dutch clubs like Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord, who believed he was too casual on the ball, Van Dijk continued to work on his skills and showcase his talent. Eventually, he signed with FC Groningen at the age of 18, leaving Willem II.

Owner Jacques Lips advised Van Dijk to give up football and focus on scrubbing pots Oncle Jean is found in the well-heeled district of Breda where Van Dijk grew up

Fast forward to the present, and Van Dijk has established himself as a world-class defender. In January of the previous year, he made a move to Liverpool from Southampton, becoming the most expensive defender in history at the time. Van Dijk’s performances have been exceptional, earning him accolades such as the PFA Player of the Year and the BBC’s Player of the Year. His impact on the Liverpool team has been significant, as he aims to help the club win their first league title in 29 years.

Van Dijk’s jоurney frоm a pоt washer tо a fооtball superstar serves as a testament tо his resilience, wоrk ethic, and determinatiоn. It is a stоry that inspires individuals tо pursue their dreams, nо matter the оbstacles they may face.