Erling Haaland reveals Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk is the best defender he has ever faced
According to an interview done ahead of the international clash between Norway and the Netherlands (h/t Metro), Erling Haaland revealed that Virgil van Dijk is the best defender he has ever faced.
The Norwegian, who has been in sensational form for the last couple of seasons, was linked with a move to a lot of clubs in Europe, but a move failed to materialize. The 21-year-old has remained at Borussia Dortmund this summer, where he has scored 63 goals in 64 games.
The first time the youngster faced van Dijk was in his RB Salzburg days, when the Austrian club took on the Reds in the UEFA Champions League group stages. Haaland did end up scoring that day, but Liverpool managed to win the game.
The 21-year-old is now set to take on the Dutchman again during the international break, and the fearless forward talked about Van Dijk in an interview, stating that he is the best defender he has ever faced.
He said (h/t The Metro):
“He is fast, strong, and f***ing smart, and there are three important things you must have.
“I have played against him twice, I have said that he is the best I have met. He is a good player, so we have to try to play around him.’
“He [Van Dijk] has that too. People are constantly evolving. It’s a Netherlands team full of other stars, but he’s the best there.”
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Van Dijk is certainly held in high regard in the 21-year-old’s books. However, that is no surprise given the accolades he has won in recent years and the success he has helped Liverpool achieve.
The 30-year-old was injured for a large part of last season but is now back from injury and will be hoping to regain some of his best form as he aims to win titles with the Reds again this season.
