In a recent episode of The Rest of Football podcast, Virgil van Dijk, the esteemed Liverpool defender, was prompted to reveal the best teammate he’s played alongside.
Since his record-breaking transfer to Liverpool in 2018, Van Dijk has risen to prominence as a world-class centre-back and has been pivotal in Jurgen Klopp’s squad.
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Under Van Dijk’s defensive leadership, Liverpool has clinched numerous titles, including the Champions League, Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup, League Cup, and the FA Community Shield.
Throughout his tenure at Anfield, Van Dijk has shared the pitch with some of Liverpool’s legendary players, such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
When podcast hosts Gary Lineker and Micah Richards inquired about his top pick for a teammate, Van Dijk took a moment to honor a player who, despite not being in the current limelight, has played a significant role in the team’s success.
He said: “I don’t wanna put other players down but let me speak about players that for example left, Bobby Firmino has been a big figure in the success that we had over the last years, he kept especially those two next to him, who are outstanding, he kept them together.
“The triangle they were, the way they worked together. For me personally, the defensive work they did, to make it easier for us at the back, it’s been crazy, it’s been outstanding. He has been so far and difficult to defend in training so I would give credit to him.”
Van Dijk added: “But at the moment I’m playing with amazing players you know, Mohamed Salah, Alisson Becker and I won’t forget Joel Matip.
“Obviously he’s injured now but he has been incredible for the football club coming in as a free agent. This generation of this era we have been in under Jurgen Klopp has been an amazing era in my opinion.
“And each one of the players that has been part of it should definitely take full credit for that.”
When discussing the most formidable adversaries he’s encountered in his career, Virgil van Dijk listed four exceptional players: Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Sergio Aguero, and Olivier Giroud.
Each of these athletes has posed significant challenges on the field, showcasing their unique skills and competitive spirit.
