Julian Alvarez has spoken glowingly of Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk after his past encounters with the Dutch defender during his tenure with Manchester City.
Former Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez has unhesitatingly hailed Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk as one of his toughest opponents. The Argentine moved to Atletico Madrid in the summer but fondly recalls the skirmishes he has had with van Dijk in the numerous encounters between City and the Reds.
No doubt Pep Guardiola’s side have pipped Liverpool to the post in recent seasons, but the Dutch defender has nonetheless left a lasting impression on the 24-year-old forward. Following his vital knee injury, the Reds captain has been a poular topic of discussion among football pundits.
However, The Dutch defender has been back to his best in recent seasons – in particular his first season with the captain’s armband after Jordan Henderson’s exit. Over the years, Van Dijk had emerged as one of the most feared stoppers in world football.
In a quickfire video with ESPN, Alvarez named the Dutchman as one of three of the toughest defenders he has faced – naming Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero and Manchester United centre-back, Lisandro Martinez.
“[Virgil] Van Dijk because he’s very strong. He’s one of the best defenders in the world,” the Argentine said.
Former Premier League goalkeeper Ben Foster has previously described Van Dijk as one of the best defenders to ever live. He said: “I’ve got one I think we probably will put in the top 10 [defenders list],” the ex-England international said on his podcast.
“Some people would say about longevity, but I still think in the whole pantheon of center-backs, this guy stepped the game up a little bit. I really do. Virgil van Dijk.
“I think for three years in a row, he was the best centre-back in the world. He had a bad injury and is probably still finding his feet from that.
“Virgil van Dijk, peak of his powers, is the best defender that has ever lived. I genuinely believe that. When Liverpool are winning the Champions League and Premier League, Virgil is the number one. People have just got short memories and the cruciate ligament injury has probably taken a yard of pace off him.”