Bournemouth striker Josh King has given Liverpool defender Virgin Van Dijk a glowing reference, naming him 'the best' defender he has ever faced.
The 27-year-old has found the net 11 times this season but has been unable to score against Liverpool, misfiring in the 4-0 home defeat in December and the 3-0 defeat at Anfield last month.
In an interview with Norwegian broadcaster TV2, King admitted that the Dutchman is the only defender to get the better of him this season.
'Yes, Van Dijk. He's the only one' King opined. 'Van Djik is the strongest and best I have ever met.'
The forward is preparing to do battle with Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos on Saturday when Norway face Spain at the Mestalla, and it will be interesting to see how the former Blackburn man fares against another of the world's elite defenders.
King isn't the first striker to sing Van Dijk's praises this season. Troy Deeney has admitted that he 'hates' coming up against Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk - because he's 'too big, too strong, too quick and too good on the ball'.
'I've said it many times, I hate him,' Deeney told BBC Radio 5 Live's The Monday Night Club. 'I hate going up against him.
'He's too big, too strong, too quick, too good on the ball, loves fighting, a good head of hair.'
'One of those guys that sprays on his top as well, so it smells lovely! When he runs past you, it's like 'I can't catch you, but...''