Van Dijk reveals his biggest challenge: “It always left me confused.”
In a recent interview, Liverpool defenderVirgil van Dijkrevealed who the attacker has been the most difficult for him throughout his career. What surprised everyone was that it was acurrent Real Madrid striker, and not one of the usual suspects like Mbappé or Haaland.
“He’s very fast and has incredible ball control. Every time I played against him, I struggled to read his movements. It’s like he’s always one step ahead,” Van Dijk declared with complete sincerity.
It later emerged that the player he was referring to wasRodrygo Goes, the young Brazilian who has gradually earned a place in Real Madrid’s starting eleven.
For Van Dijk, the most difficult aspect isn’t just Rodrygo’s speed, but histactical intelligenceand ability to create danger in the smallest of spaces.
“He has that natural instinct. He doesn’t hesitate, he doesn’t hide. Playing against him means being focused 100% of the time. Because if you lose focus for even a second, it’s over.”
The Dutch defender’s statements generated a stir on social media, where thousands of fans praised his humility and honesty. They also further raised the profile of Rodrygo, who has been key to the Whites’ recent successes.
With these words, Van Dijk not only showers praise on the Brazilian, but also acknowledges that even the best defenders in the world have opponents who push them to the limit.
