"An exceptional footballer" - Erling Haaland on Liverpool man

Manchester City's new striker Erling Haaland has recently been talking about Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk.

The Norway international was asked a question about coming up against the Dutchman in the years to come. In response, Haaland praised Van Dijk.

"It’s not me versus Virgil. It’s not one against one. It’s 11 versus 11. I know he and I will be up against each other, but I’ll also be against Alisson and the rest of their defence," he told FourFourTwo, as quoted by Anfield Watch Twitter's account.

"This is modern, top-class football – it’s about more than good individuals. We have to be great as a team, working together. It’s important not to look at individual battles too much.

"It’s always nice to face the best and that’s what Van Dijk is. I’ve played against him a few times, and he’s a really good guy as well as an exceptional footballer. I like to play against him because he may be the best in the world.

"But I have scored at Anfield and for Norway against the Netherlands…”

Anfield Watch Verdict

Liverpool signed Van Dijk from Southampton for a transfer fee of £76.19 million back in January 2018.

Since then, the centre-back has made 185 appearances for the club's first-team.

Van Dijk has helped Liverpool win the Champions League, Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, Premier League title, League Cup, FA Cup and Community Shield.

The 31-year-old has been a colossus for the Reds over the years. Van Dijk is contracted until the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign.

With that being the case, the Anfield faithful will be able to sit back and watch the Dutchman in action for at least a few more years.

Hopefully Van Dijk can have a successful campaign and propel Liverpool towards a trophy.