"Messi is probably the toughest opponent I've ever played against"

Van Dijk has praised Messi on many occasions and he has repeatedly said he is the best footballer on the planet despite the fact both have been competing with each other to win individual prizes.

In a question and answer session on Twitter, Van Dijk was asked who has been his toughest opponent. 

"There are some difficult strikers out there, but probably Leo Messi," the Dutch defender replied. He also said that if he were not a defender, he would like to be a number '10'. 

 

March 31, 2020

Van Dijk and Messi faced each other in the semi-finals of the Champions League last term. After a 3-0 win for the La Liga side in Barcelona, Liverpool fought back tremendously at Anfield. The striker and defender were in an intense battle. 

Another curious response from the footballer was that although Messi is the toughest player, Aguero is the player he has found hardest to mark. Funnily enough, Aguero and Messi are both Argentines and both friends.

 

March 31, 2020