Haaland heaps praise on Liverpool star Virgil Van Dijk. Erling Haaland, a striker for Manchester City, has heaped praise on Virgil van Dijk, a center-back for Liverpool, demonstrating the mutual respect between the two superstars. Haaland regarded his Dutch opponent as the most challenging defender he has thus far encountered in the Premier League.
Since joining the Premier League last summer, the Norwegian has been a great surprise. The Manchester City forward has become the quickest player in division history to reach that total in a season with 36 goals and seven assists in 34 appearances in the English top flight.
The 22-year-old is modest enough to acknowledge that one defender has given him a run for his money despite his remarkable dominance in the Premier League this season. Of course, that defender is Virgil van Dijk.
The striker stated, “There are a lot of good defenders,” in an interview with Optus Sport (via HITC). “Van Dijk of Liverpool is really good, I must say. He’s incredibly good; I’ve met him numerous times while playing for the national team and in Salzburg. That person comes to mind right away.”
Erling Haaland has previously extolled the virtues of Virgil van Dijk. During his tenure at Borussia Dortmund, the Manchester City striker praised Van Dijk as the best defender in the world in an ESPN interview.
Haaland praised his Dutch adversary, saying, “You know how tall he is, how strong he is, how fast he is, and also the timing is crazy.” “He’s a physical monster, and I don’t think I’ve ever won a duel against him.”
The Norwegian added: “He is the best defender, and I don’t fear anyone,” I said. I believe that many other people in the room (during the press conference) concur with me. He is ‘awful’ smart, strong, and quick—those are the three characteristics you absolutely must possess. After playing twice against him, I declared that he was the best I had ever encountered.”
Haaland, who has scored 52 goals across all competitions, is on track to capture a continental treble in his debut season on English soil.
What is next for Manchester City and Erling Haaland?
Manchester City will play their final two matches in the English top division against Brighton & Hove Albion (May 23) and Brentford (May 28) after winning the Premier League before facing Manchester United in the FA Cup final on June 3.
When they face Inter Milan in the competition’s championship match on June 7, they will also have the chance to claim their first UEFA Champions League victory. Haaland will win the triple in just his first season at the club if they win both of their tournaments. As the two finals approach, the citizens of City will be hoping he keeps up his outstanding goal-scoring performance.
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