Wolverhampton Wanderers youngster Nigel Lonwijk says he is inspired by Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.
The 18-year-old was speaking with Football Oranje, following his recent loan move to Fortuna Sittard.
So far Lonwijk has made a couple of substitute appearances for the Eredivisie side.
He was brought on for his debut against Sparta Rotterdam recently, and last night he was given a 10-minute cameo against Ajax, with the team already 5-0 down.
Hopefully, starts will soon be in the offing for young Lonwijk, who is getting his first taste of senior football.
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Perhaps he will be called upon before too much longer, as Sittard are currently in the relegation zone with one of the worst defensive records.
Lonwijk is hoping for a productive spell with Sittard this season.
Not only to boost his chances of turning out for Wolves in the Premier League, but also the Dutch national team.
And when asked for a player who has inspired him, he responded: “For me, I think it’s Virgil van Dijk. If you see where he had to go, it wasn’t always easy.
“He went to different clubs and had to prove himself every time. Now he’s there, and he’s one of the best players and the leader of the team.”
Lonwijk should study van Dijk closely
Lonwijk could do much worse than to study the game of van Dijk closely.
The star, who signed for Liverpool for £75 million back in January 2018 (BBC Sport), is obviously one of the best central defenders around right now.
It is little wonder Lonwijk sees his fellow countryman as an inspiration.
He is absolute the person for someone like Lonwijk, a promising ball-playing defender, to try and emulate.