Virgil van Dijk might have been able to stop pretty much everyone in the Premier League but on Wednesday night he proved just how much of a step up it is trying to stop Lionel Messi.
No matter what stats you look at it's obvious that Virgil van Dijk has had an incredible season in defence for Liverpool and his PFA Players' Player of the Year award, the first for a defender in 14 years, was well deserved.
Facing Barcelona means facing Lionel Messi and there's virtually no defender, no matter how good, who can keep him quiet for very long.
The five time Ballon d'Or winner scored the 599th and 600th goals of his Barca career as the hosts won 3-0 against Jurgen Klopp's side.
However even before his goals one moment showed how difficult a task it is to tame Messi as Van Dijk screamed to his teammates for help:
It doesn't matter who you are, or how good you are, Messi catches up with you eventually.
To paraphrase Thanos, 'Dread it. Run from it. Messi arrives all the same,' something Van Dijk now knows all too well.
Moomin17
621
Van Dijk : U can't be dribbled past by Messi if u just keep running away from him
SreerajPM
315
I don't know Why Barça Fans Are So Arrogant Of Their Victory.It was Just Home Advantage That Saved Us.We have To stay Sharp To win At Anfield Where They Would have Advantage.So Please Don't Be Overconfident Pray Play and Win
ToaLim
274
Now Van feels the power💪 of Messi Near Him😊
AzuhDante
220
always respect the roles before playing against The Goat, Role number 1, never make the Goat angry, Role number 2, respect Role number 1
P_Taneja
140
Thank you ter stegen
Bacnprstu
127
I think klop made some mistakes.... why did he not start shaquiri..... instead of keita...... and why was wijnaldum so far up the pitch...... and worst why was all the pressure placed on van dijk.... klop needs to think and yes why did klop start Gomez or the more speedy Arnold..... that was one of the major problems because as we all know Liverpool attacks with pace and long balls and short quick crosses which obviously Gomez can do.... so in turn Gomez slowed up the game for mane and Salah..... klop.... is the best coach in the world but I have to be honest he made some stupid changes to that squad ...
Cube
107
Defending against Sissoko and Lingard and vum you think you the best. Then sees Messi on the pitch to wish to be on bench to avoid embarrassing yourself
pipbceimns
101
VVD found himself out of position and was simply calling for a teammate to cover his space while he tried to deal with Messi. That's what I saw. He's a great defender, and has more than enough confidence to take Messi on, despite Messi being the best player on the planet.
Longlife2000
100
"There is no answer to Messi. No one has one. I’m just glad I don’t play in Spain to face him every season" - Van Dijk on Lionel Messi
laehcim
95
he's not a proud defender so he must call for back up cos That's what u call team work
tanya forgwe
89
Everyone is talking about Messi he was good, but what about sterstegen ur number one he was something else
Nas070
80
NASA should send Messi to where he come from. An Alien cannot be among humans.
FaithEvans
72
Messi running at you... it must feel like an incoming storm Counterattacks in EPL, the player in the middle quickly lay the ball off to the ones on the wings, but Messi keeps running at u for as long as possible, probably to break your mental strength and fortitude!
bipdlps
49
Liverpool played extremely well despite the loss. I’m proud of this performance 100%... before the second opportunistic tap in goal... the temple was rocking!! We would love the Barca team in EPL for sure testing.. THERE was a bit of PARkING the BUS in the second half something I have never seen Barca doing playing at home in a Very very long time. Messi made the difference he is obvious class!!! What a relief for the Barca faithful he finally clicked on in late stages.. He is Barca!! Unfortunately his triumph era is near the END.. then what??? At least LFC has a TEAM not just a STAR player, which is what football is all about!! Give yourself 2yrs you will be like your fellow Spanish compatriot ....plan for the future!!
cucbdkou
9
always respect the roles before playing against The Goat, Role number 1, never make the Goat angry, Role number 2, respect Role number 1
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Some people use different languages, English is not even their first language, not even second, but if you understood then it's all good. Take heart I know it hurts 😂😂😂😂🗡️🔫🤣🤣🤣 Loserpool
AmitOutstandingGar
9
Now Van feels the power💪 of Messi Near Him😊
even bus can't stop Messi what can Van do[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
United Kingdom1057675
8
Van Dijk : U can't be dribbled past by Messi if u just keep running away from him
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Liverpool’s plan was to have a minimum of 3 players on Messi every time he got the ball & most of the time it worked, for both teams. 3 on Messi leaves his team mates open,ie first goal for Suarez, for Liverpool it means the greatest threat is nullified. Except he still scored twice. GOAT