Virgil van Dijk has played against Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo but one Arsenal and Chelsea star stands out
Virgil van Dijk has lifted the lid on his four toughest opponents – with Cristiano Ronaldo a notable omission.
The Liverpool captain has returned to his best this season, keeping the Premier League’s best talent at bay while helping to keep the Reds’ title fight alive.
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Since arriving at Anfield in 2018, Van Dijk has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world.
The Dutchman helped transform Jurgen Klopp’s side into European giants, helping the club win the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League title the following year.
Van Dijk has faced a host of legendary attacking talents at club and country and, when asked about his toughest opponents, he listed four players, with one glaring omission.
There was no place for five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo, with former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Giroud named instead.
The Frenchman joined Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Sergio Aguero in the esteemed group.
Explaining why the AC Milan star was so difficult, Van Dijk told the Rest is Football podcast: “(He was) a liaison player, with (Eden) Hazard at the time.
“It was always Hazard who gave him the kick and he kept the ball.
“He also scored some good goals against me. I always felt like he wasn’t going to score, but he managed to score.”
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As Manchester City heroes Haaland and Aguero, Van Dijk remarked: “I would say Erling Haaland is a very difficult opponent, (he is) very strong, a modern-day striker.
“It’s the franchise. If you give them an inch, they will punish you.
“It’s the same with Agüero. He hasn’t scored many goals against us, but since I played against him when I was at Southampton he’s always been a handful.
“He could finish with his left or his right, you always had to be at your best.
“I remember a goal he scored against us in 2018-19, he got past Dejan Lovren on a cross and finished it so quickly.”
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