Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has previously revealed the four most challenging strikers he’s faced in the Premier League.
At 33, Van Dijk recently signed a contract extension with Liverpool, committing to the club for at least two more seasons as they edge closer to another Premier League title.
This Sunday (April 20), he could lift the trophy as captain if Arsenal lose to Ipswich Town and Liverpool defeat Leicester City.
Regardless of this weekend’s outcome, Van Dijk has already secured legendary status at Anfield. Over his seven-year tenure, he’s made 314 appearances and played a key role in winning a Premier League title, an FA Cup, two EFL Cups, and a Champions League.
Known for his composure on the pitch, Van Dijk rarely seems troubled by opponents—but he’s admitted that four strikers have truly tested him.
One of those is former France international Olivier Giroud, who played for Arsenal, Chelsea, and AC Milan.
“I think Olivier Giroud [has been the toughest],” Van Dijk told France Football in 2024. “Every time you think you’ve got him under control, he finds a way to score—whether it’s with his head, foot, or even his knee. He’s scored against me quite a few times.”
Van Dijk also named former Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero and Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus among his toughest opponents.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football, he said: “Aguero didn’t score many against us, but since my time at Southampton, he’s always been a handful. He could shoot with both feet, and you always had to be sharp. I remember a goal from the 2018/19 season—he beat Dejan Lovren to a cross and finished quickly. He’s definitely one of the best.”
Rounding out his list was Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.
“Each striker brings something different,” Van Dijk said on Optus Sport’s YouTube channel. “Haaland has incredible qualities—he’s strong, fast, and a deadly finisher. He can hurt you in an instant, and he scores so many for a reason. We always have to be at our best to stop him.”
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