There are some players who are just a class above the rest. Players who are simply in a league of their own. Over the last few years we’ve seen plenty of them at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp’s leadership.
One of them who stands out from the rest, especially among his positional peers, is Virgil van Dijk. The 32-year-old Liverpool defender may have had his doubters, but this season he has returned in excellent form.
And he is once again receiving the acclaim that he deserves. Including by one forward who has also been in great form recently, and has been speaking in high regard about the Liverpool captain.
Patson Daka on Virgil van Dijk
The Zambian international was asked about the toughest opponent he has faced in an interview with the PFA as shared on Instagram.
“Virgil van Dijk. He’s smart, his physique, he is strong,” Daka said.
The 25-year-old forward was speaking after receiving his PFA Fans Player of the Month award for December. Daka has been in good form, and he clearly has a big admiration for Liverpool as well. In the same interview, he described Anfield as the best atmosphere he has played in.
We always go on about it, but sometimes it’s nice to be proven right. It’s not just the data and numbers which back-up Virgil van Dijk as one of the best defenders in the world – but his own peers as well.
Daka is a forward who has caused trouble to so many defenders, and he’s even done well against Liverpool – most notably scoring twice against Van Dijk in a pre-season friendly. But the fact that he has still named the Liverpool captain as his toughest opponent speaks volumes.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
