West Ham United’s Michail Antonio has claimed on the Footballer’s Football podcast that Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is the very best he’s ever come up against.
The perfect footballer
Van Dijk continues to hold a reputation as arguably the finest centre-back in the Premier League.
The Dutchman missed last season with injury, but he has returned at an extremely high level and continues to be a nightmare for any opposition striker who comes up against Liverpool.
West Ham man Antonio has now revealed that he is a big admirer of the towering central defender too.
He says that he even tries to avoid coming up against Van Dijk when facing Liverpool, as he knows how good the 30-year-old is.
“The best defender I’ve ever played against is Virgil van Dijk,” Antonio said.
“He’s quick, he’s strong, he’s good on the ball. And he’s good looking! The man’s got it all. I don’t know what I can that would be negative about the man. On the football field, he’s basically perfect.
“When I play against him, I don’t play against him. I avoid him and go to his partner and try and have an easier ride.
“I fancy my chances against anyone. I’d never say anyone is stronger than me. So if I ever came up against him, I’d give him a fair go. I always believe in myself.
“But, if I didn’t have to, I’m just not going to do it. I’m going to avoid him and go to the outside side.
“I’m not going to play on him, I’m going to play on his buddy!”
Good record
To be fair to Antonio his tactics actually seem to work.
When playing against Liverpool he has scored five goals in 10 games, which is a highly credible record.
Antonio is one of the few Premier League strikers who may be able to give Van Dijk a battle physically too.
The West Ham man is a real handful for defenders and despite a recent drought, he already has six goals to his name this season.
Van Dijk, meanwhile, has been a key part of Liverpool’s fast start to the campaign – which has pushed them right up into title contention once again.
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