Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has named a former Arsenal and Chelsea star as his most difficult opponent.
Van Dijk is widely seen as one of the standout defenders in world football but he has often had difficulties when coming up against one particular player.
The centre-back admitted that the player in question often managed to find the net against him.
Van Dijk named Olivier Giroud as his most difficult opponent.
Asked about his toughest opponent, van Dijk told France Football: 'Olivier Giroud. Every time, you think you've got a hold of him, that you've got him well marked, but he always manages to score in one way or another: with his head, his foot, his knee. He has often scored against me.'
Giroud played against van Dijk for Arsenal and Chelsea, but the Dutch defender will be pleased that the striker is now operating away from the Premier League with AC Milan. The pair also faced each other at international level, with Giroud France's all-time record goalscorer.
Van Dijk discussed his problems playing against Giroud and described him as his 'bogeyman'.
He said: 'I always felt like I got him, but somehow, he always managed to score. Whether it was for Arsenal, Chelsea or France, he always scored.
'I said to him when we won the league, we won 5-3 [against Chelsea] we were 3-0 up or something and he scored a scrappy goal, I think it was against the crossbar and fell down, scrappy goal, I said to him: 'You scored again?!'
As well as Giroud, van Dijk stated that Sergio Aguero, Erling Haaland and Gabriel Jesus are also very difficult to defend against.
'So I would say he (Giroud) is the guy that scores against me, and just that annoying person. There's so many fantastic strikers I've played against, [Lionel] Messi, Aguero, Haaland is a difficult one because he has everything, but I'm going for Giroud as he's my bogeyman - annoying!'
Peeadkrz
1
this is truth I watch him struggle against him severely
Bacha0004
0
this ain't no surprise, he's said tht before
He said he was his bogey player not the best strike he played against. This is how the media start narratives
IronBorn
0
That is Klopp player they believe in Liverpool whether you fight or not u have a place that's why competition for space is not their style. defensively Trent is the worst right back in the world but he would never improve be aide klopp let's him know he Hsi doing alright. it's the mentality they have cultivated
viwadeikpz
0
which Giroud is that??? strange
Nothing strange in that unless u started watching ball 2023 A very slow player that always deliver,,,Van Dijk knows better than you coz he played against him many times… So now, what’s ur point?
Obirare
2
this ain't no surprise, he's said tht before
bazalpst
0
giroud was my favourite to be a Liverpool player his is top in head and read well how place to score when no-one believe
pinbceioty
1
what Abt perisic 😂
Fukbosuyz
0
which Giroud is that??? strange
Davo91
4
Wat about silver
Lesbcdikr
0
VVD finally learned his lesson
Nukacknpuy
1
thanks for your help
Akeelist
1
van dijk forgot ivan persic 😄 😄
do you even understand this at all
Jubceklmpr
0
He said this 3yrs ago. Why are you reporting it here now?
what about today he will never forget ivan persic 😄 😄
Stjames
1
fear his head
Zizbimry
0
because he is out of courting
danriwbik
4
I think cuz Giroud gives him tough times with height, I mean both are literally the same heights.
Jubceklmpr
1
van dijk forgot ivan persic 😄 😄
Vokdemsuyz
1
He said this 3yrs ago. Why are you reporting it here now?
Fubceklos
5
he also named Jackson 15 for Chelsea
Olilatonny95
3
he knows Giroud always never disappoint nailing defenders when it comes to header🤦
Manchesterisblue
2
Well he's not wrong though, giroud are so underrated but always scored a wonder goals and very tough player to mark as well.