Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, Virgil van Dijk has named reported Arsenal and Tottenham target, Darwin Nunez, as one of his toughest opponents.
The Dutch defender was tasked with naming the toughest attackers he’s ever come up against, and, as you may imagine, he reeled off the names you would expect him to.
Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Kylian Mbappe were all namechecked, but interestingly, Van Dijk also spoke about Benfica’s Nunez, putting him in the same bracket as Erling Haaland.
What’s been said?
Van Dijk named Nunez as one of his toughest opponents.
“There are some different types of strikers that we face that are doing very, very well in the name of Haaland and also Darwin (Nunez), it’s very similar, very direct, quick, tall, strong and it’s quite difficult to play against them,” Van Dijk said.
Look out Premier League
The Premier League’s top defences may have to be on alert next season.
Erling Haaland’s arrival in England has already been confirmed as he’s set to head to Manchester City this summer, and according to reports, Nunez could be right behind him.
Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle and West Ham have all been credited with an interest, and if the Uruguayan arrives in England, he could cause all sorts of problems for every team in the country.
If Van Dijk finds you tough to play against, then you know you’re a good player.
The art of being a number nine has somewhat faded from English football over the past two years, but with Haaland and potentially Nunez set to arrive, strikers could soon be back in fashion.
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