There aren’t many defenders one would again to carry off Erling Haaland in a one-on-one state of affairs – however Virgil van Dijk is one in every of them.
The Dutchman proved as a lot on Sunday when Manchester City made their technique to Liverpool in a Premier League title six-pointer. Haaland, 23, scored in entrance of the Kop when he first visited the bottom at Red Bull Salzburg in 2019 however has since come up empty on Merseyside.
And Van Dijk, 32, ensured it stayed that method when arguably one of the best defender within the Premier League was tasked with keeping off the Golden Boot frontrunner in a one-on-one everybody was aching to see. After selecting up the ball on midway, Haaland had a free run at his reverse man in a bid to get an opportunity towards Caoimhin Kelleher within the Reds purpose.
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Anfield received to its ft because the unstoppable drive met the immovable object, which ended with Van Dijk coming away because the happier of the 2. The Netherlands talisman stored his calm tremendously and ran again in the direction of his purpose to drive Haaland right into a shot from the sting of the world, and Liverpool followers made it identified whom they felt received the higher of the alternate.
“How good is Virgil van Dijk,” requested one X (previously Twitter) person. “No other CB in world football stops Haaland in that position.”
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“Van Dijk running back to goal almost full speed a yard away from Haaland while constantly turning with his head turned so he can’t get beat either side,” gushed a second spectator. “He’s a joke, man.”
And a 3rd fan lauded: “Van Dijk is amongst the few or only who couldn’t be absolutely slaughtered in 1v1 situations against players like Haaland.”
Haaland referred to Van Dijk as “a monster” and “unreal” within the build-up to Sunday’s conflict, exhibiting he is not missing respect for his rival. He additionally added how a lot he enjoys testing himself towards one of the best within the sport, and the journey to Anfield offered precisely that.