Virgil van Dijk has started yet another season for Liverpool in typically imperious form.
Rewind just a few short months ago, and there was genuine nervousness that the Dutch defender would no longer be at the club this September.
However, having signed his new contract in April, Van Dijk has continued to set the standard for every centre-back in world football.
His latest moment of Liverpool magic came in the Champions League on Wednesday night, heading home a last-gasp winner against Atletico Madrid at Anfield.
The day after Van Dijk’s late show, Barcelona midfielder Pedri was lighting up the Champions League stage, running the game at St James’ Park as Barca beat Newcastle 2-1.
Like Van Dijk, Pedri has become a benchmark in world football, rising to prominence as one of the best central midfielders of his generation. But even the best struggle against Liverpool’s No. 4, and Pedri has now named Van Dijk as his toughest ever opponent.
Pedri amazed by the size of Virgil van Dijk
Pedri’s performance against Newcastle has earned rave reviews this week and secured him a spot in UEFA’S team of the week alongside Van Dijk.
And it seems that the Spain international would much rather share a pitch with the Dutchman than have to play against him.
READ MORE: Darren Bent suggests what could happen if Liverpool lose Virgil van Dijk to injury
As seen on the Mundo Deportivo YouTube channel, Pedri was asked at a Decathlon event to name his toughest ever opponent.
“There are many that have been complicated,” smiled the 22-year-old as he addressed the crowd.
“But, for example, recently against Van Dijk, I think he’s a centre-back who looks big from the outside, but when you get on the pitch he’s even bigger and it’s hard to get away from him.”
Van Dijk is Liverpool’s most important player
Although it is never too much of a shock to hear any player name Van Dijk as his toughest opponent, it was a little surprising that he was Pedri’s choice.
The two have never faced each other outside of international football, and Pedri directly faces top midfielders on a weekly basis in La Liga and the Champions League.
But Van Dijk clearly left an impression on the Spaniard which has been impossible to shake. He is simply that good.
It all continues to paint the picture that Liverpool’s No. 4 remains their most important player. The arrivals of Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak have given Arne Slot more tools offensively, but it is Van Dijk who holds the rest of the pitch together.
The day he leaves Liverpool will be an enormously sad one. Thankfully, he is not going anywhere just yet.
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