As Liverpool take on Napoli in their final group game, the spotlight will be on two defenders who have been rock-solid this season...
Two defenders in excellent form will be up against each other when Liverpool take on Napoli in the final Group C match of the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League on Wednesday at Anfield.
At 27, Liverpool's Dutch defender Virgil Van Dijk and Napoli's Senegalese centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly have been causing nightmares for strikers with their performances.
Gifted with excellent physical abilities and brilliant passing skills, the performances of these two tall defenders will play a key role in determining the outcome of the crucial clash which will shape the outcome of Group C.
Koulibaly was in scintillating form when these two teams met in Italy on Match Day 2 of Group C. Napoli managed a win but remarkably, Liverpool's lethal attack did not have a single shot on target at Napoli's goal thanks to a resolute defence led by Koulibaly. He made two interceptions and five clearances and played more passes (80) than any Liverpool player.
Van Dijk plays an important role in the Liverpool team and it is not just about keeping things tight at the back. He is essential to Jurgen Klopp's strategy to play out from the back and employ a high press. In the Dutchman, the coach has a centre-back who is adept with the ball at his feet.
Van Dijk has won more aerial duels per game than Koulibaly but the latter edges it when it comes to the number of successful passes completed.
Napoli are winless in their last six away matches in the Champions League and Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 18 European matches at home. An early goal at either end could set the tempo for the match and considering what is at stake, Koulibaly and Van Dijk will have to be at their best once again but there is only going to be one winner.
Tuodemops
0
Hipbcdktz
0
i'd rather choose them both
liverpoolforreal
0
how will you compare defence minister and this guy,king of clean sheets and great wall at Anfiel.
Zeabcknory
0
Do not worry Napoli has never won an English rival on English soil.
So?
liverpoli
0
koulibaly=Liverpool whole defence.
Van dijk, nobody is close to van dijk now
Destructobot2018
0
But Salah scored a hat trick! Virgil Van Dijk OFCOURSE
puhcet
1
koulibaly=Liverpool whole defence.
van dijk =whole Chelsea defence
fiktorava
1
People who doesn't have Van Dijk in their team will say he's not the best Cb
raaceklst
7
koulibaly=Liverpool whole defence.
Yotimortz
2
Van dijk premier leagues best defender koidbaly in serie a isn’t the best
Abdul Bwika
2
Koulibaly is the beast
Ernesta
0
Van Dijk can’t be the best CB because he has Alisson behind him
So what? Nevas made all the saves and Ramos still receive praises
Tikeklor
2
Koulibaly
justdoitt
5
Virgil van Dijk is like Aragorn from Lord of the Rings. You just look at him and think “I’ll follow you until the end.”
reallythe
2
Napoli score a lot, but they do concede a lot of goals too. With a sprinkling of Anfield magic on a cool December evening in the Champions League, this result is very achievable
birthplace
4
Do not worry Napoli has never won an English rival on English soil.
Kimjoyes
8
Better captain than Henderson
marddia
0
Van Dijk can’t be the best CB because he has Alisson behind him
kooq
1
People seem to be forgetting that Liverpool have conceded the least amount of goals in Europe’s top 5 leagues this season.
Jimmymay
0
A centre back pairing of Koulibaly and Van Dijk would be horrifying
kkstyles04
2
COME ON ALL THE LIVERPOOL FANS AND SUPPORTERS ALL OVER THE WORLD[Comeon][Comeon][Comeon][Comeon] ITS TIME TO MAKE THE ANFIELD A CAULDRON AGAIN
Wendy-Alison042
2
this is a fight of the God's because these two the God's of there defending positions
Patrick Myanmar
1
What if these two men play at the same one club?
L10NELMESSI
3
Kalidou Koulibaly is a TANK
mighty96red
2
Van Dijk.
spsb98154
3
These two defenders are excellent players- Virgil and Koulibaly. Currently, Koulibaly is the best defender of African football. Whereas, Van Dijk seems like the best in EPL.
Divyansh26
3
Of course It would be VVD who will come on top against Koulibaly ........ VVD is tough like an SUV and probably the best SUV and the toughest Defender in the world since his arrival our defence has improved so so much.....and he is very vital for our team and I do believe we will win the match .......and VVD will be the most important player for us ......... The Netherlands Wall....... You will never walk alone.......