At Liverpool and for the Dutch national team, Virgil van Dijk has engaged in battles with some of the best attackers in the world for years. The centre-back had an unexpected response when asked which striker was the hardest he had yet to face.
Van Dijk referred to Olivier Giroud, the current AC Milan striker, rather than Karim Benzema, Robert Lewandowski, Kylian Mbappé, or Erling Haaland on The Overlap, an online series hosted by Gary Neville. He made his decision because of a Breda resident. “I always thought I was in charge, but he always managed to get the upper hand. No matter if it was for Arsenal, Chelsea, or France,” Van Dijk stated, adding an illustration.
“In the season we won the title, 2019–20, we defeated Chelsea 5–3. Before he scored a fumble goal, we had a 3-0 lead. So even though we were far ahead, he managed to score against me,” the defender added. Giroud was in charge of the game-winning goal in a Nations League match in 2018, but he hasn’t scored against Liverpool since Van Dijk joined the team in January 2018. Both players would like to see each other again because the Orange team has been associated with France in the Euro 2024 qualification series.
Virgil van Dijk reveals his appreciation for De Bruyne
Less shocking was Big Virg’s selection of Kevin De Bruyne as the teammate he would most like to have back. “He is incredible. We would have accomplished even more if he had played for Liverpool than we already have. He is exceptional, excellent with the ball, applies a lot of pressure, scores frequently, and possesses all the qualities necessary for a modern midfielder and for a football player in general,” according to Van Dijk.
The Dutch player will face Tottenham on Sunday, and it will be a very difficult challenge. Harry Kane and Son Heung Min, two of the top forwards in the game, are there for him to mark. Then, it seems improbable that he will start the cup match against Derby on Wednesday. He will, however, get his opportunity the following weekend against Southampton.
