Virgil van Dijk endures difficult return to action for Southampton Under 23s in defeat

After eight months out through injury and an entire summer of speculation about his future, Virgil van Dijk made an unimpressive return to action for Southampton on Monday night.

The defender was linked with a big-money move to Liverpool and went so far as to submit a transfer request in an attempt to push through the transfer, but ended up staying with Saints.

Now, having been banished to the development squad for training for a short period, he is preparing for a first-team recall.

And this week he made his first appearance for the club since January. It was a little rusty.

Van Dijk featured for Southampton's Under 23s in a clash with Aston Villa at Walsall's Banks's Stadium in Premier League 2.

During the 4-0 defeat, the Dutchman - who missed the back-end of last season through injury - was unconvincing in the build-up to three of Villa's goals.

Jordan Cox scored a first-half double to put the home side well on their way to victory, with Van Dijk missing a challenge in the lead-up to the opener.

In the second period, Corey Blackett-Taylor and Callum O’Hare found the back of the next to make sure of a romping win for Villa.

On both occasions, Van Dijk's attempts to counter the attack appeared somewhat half-hearted.

Van Dijk completed 90 minutes but Saints fans will be hoping to see him improve before he returns to the first-team squad on matchdays.

Southampton face Crystal Palace this weekend but it is uncertain he will be included.