Virgil van Dijk has played against Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but one Arsenal and Chelsea star stands out.

By premiernews On Apr 5, 2024

Virgil van Dijk has revealed his four toughest opponents, with Cristiano Ronaldo a notable omission.

He Liverpool The captain has been back to his best this season, keeping the Premier League's best talent at bay while helping to keep the Reds in the title race.

Van Dijk has faced the best in world football since arriving at Anfield in 2018Credit: Getty

Since his arrival 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 into European giants, helping the club lift the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League title the following year.

Van Dijk He has faced a host of legendary attacking talent for both club and country and when asked about his toughest rivals, he mentioned a four-man list, with one glaring omission.

There was no place for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner ronaldowith ex Arsenal and Chelsea Striker Giroud was named in his place.

The Frenchman joined Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Sergio Agüero in the esteemed group.

Explaining why the AC Milan star was so difficult, Van Dijk told the The break is a football podcast: “(He was) a link player, along with (Eden) Hazard at that time.

“It was always Hazard who gave him the movement and he held the ball.

“He also scored good goals against me. I always felt like he wasn't going to score, but he did.”

There was no place for Ronaldo in Van Dijk's list of fourCredit: Getty

The Liverpool defender named Giroud as one of his toughest rivalsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Van Dijk and Haaland have faced each other in very close duels at club levelCredit: getty

He has also battled with Messi at both club and international level.Credit: Getty

As city of manchester heroes Haaland and Agüero, Van Dijk commented: “I would say that Erling Haaland is a very difficult opponent, (he is) very strong, a modern striker.

“It's directness. If you give them an inch, they will punish you.”

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk labeled “overrated” by Jason Cundy after defending in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Fulham

“The same thing happens with Agüero. He didn't score many goals for us, but since I played against him when he was at Southampton, it was always a problem.

“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 in front of Dejan Lovren after a cross and finished it very quickly.”

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