Virgil van Dijk has lavished praise on Lionel Messi having experienced first hand the extraordinary ability of the Barcelona forward.
Messi inspired his side to a 3-0 victory in their Champions League semi-final first leg against Liverpool on Wednesday night.
And Van Dijk, who was crowned PFA Player of the Year, spoke about what it was like to face the man he considers the world's best player.
'Messi is a fantastic player, that much is obvious,' the 27-year-old told Football Espana.
'Even when we were attacking, it is always difficult, as you know he is in the corner waiting to attack.
'He is the best player in the world and the extra level he has shown over the years proves this.'
Liverpool performed well despite the scoreline at the Nou Camp and were very much in the tie at 2-0 until Messi stepped up to score a ridiculous free-kick from 35-yards.
Jurgen Klopp's side now have a mountain to climb and look all but eliminated, though if they are to pull off a miraculous comeback, Van Dijk and Co will have to subdue the five-time Ballon d'Or winner at Anfield on Tuesday.
Shinojohnew
934
"I am glad I don't play in Spain and have to face him every season" No need to say anything VVD. Thanks
bedcdinoz
315
His first rebounded off the bar onto his feet the second was nevta free kick in the first place he jumped on fabhino back and tried to slap him and fell backwards can’t fault the free kick it was sublime but a really bad decision by the ref on the other hand Liverpool’s chances just didn’t go in three spectacular saves by there keeper and salahs chance came onto his wheeler foot had it of fell to his left would certainly have scored we just didn’t have that bit of luck Suarez goal was a super bit of play but to listen to some people on here you would think Liverpool weren’t in the game It’s only half time have positive thoughts people
operations
295
Van Dijk went all the way to Camp Nou to get the best view of the Lionel Messi goal. 😂
Moomin17
289
Sarcasm ok! Journalists : So How was it playing against current best defender Van Dijk. Messi : Sorry, I never met him.
gadgets
256
VVD: No one can dribble past me if I run away
VanishPrasad
204
Van Dijk is the best defender in the world since he doesn't play in Laliga
VanishPrasad
163
Van Dijk should take Pepe's advice
Pikceloz
121
I urge every Barcelona fans to respect this guy. He never trash talked about barca or messi. And you one should also respect his defending ability it was his bad that he had to face the best in the world.
Cimadelopt
46
the match is not over. barca fan should not celebrate earlier. barca defense and mid field is not that good. so second leg is also crucial for barca. it will be a very very hard game for barca. Liverpool will be more aggressive than 1st leg. so we need to defend them well. I think on that match our possession will be less like 35℅ or 40℅. with that possession we need to play clinical counter attack. barca should recall the previous seasons ucl 2nd leg match against roma. if roma can score 3 goal in 2nd leg against barca then strong team like Liverpool can also score 3/4 goals. thats why we need to be more focused in every second of the game. it will be like final match for us.
Moe Lester
35
Open your eyes, and you will see. God is real in every sense. Just ask Him genuinely to reveal his glory to you... May God bless you!
no, suck my ass