Mateusz Klich has told Leeds United’s official website that Liverpool are a much-better side with Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk back from injury. The two teams go head to head on Wednesday evening at Anfield.
Leeds come into the game in need of a result, having suffered three losses in their last four Premier League matches. They are yet to pick up three points since January 16, a 3-2 away win over West Ham in London.
In the reverse fixture, Liverpool picked up a 3-0 win at Elland Road – the same match in which Pascal Struijk’s tackle saw Harvey Elliott suffer a dislocated ankle, and was forced to watch from the sidelines for six months.
Klich spoke ahead of Wednesday night’s fixture, a match which sees Liverpool enjoy an extra day of rest – having beaten Norwich City on Saturday afternoon. Klich reserved praise for defender van Dijk.
“Liverpool are one of the best teams in the country, especially when Virgil Van Dijk came back, now they’re now back to the shape they were in when they won the Premier League and Champions League,” Klich said.
Klich on van Dijk: How can Leeds get round Liverpool star van Dijk?
It is hard to say, given van Dijk boasts very little weaknesses. His strength, aerial ability, ball control, defensive intelligence, speed and power is simply unrivaled at centre-back. Simply avoiding him is Leeds’ best bet.
Jurgen Klopp is likely to use either Ibrahima Konate or Joel Matip alongside him – and focusing on getting the better of the other centre-back might be a better use of Joe Gelhardt, Dan James or Rodrigo’s time – whoever starts.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
