“If you’re not focused for a second, you could get punished immediately” - Liverpool star Van Dijk names toughest opponents in Premier League

Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk named Arsenal and Manchester City as the toughest teams to face in the Premier League. The Reds captain claimed that it's 'always tough' to take on those two sides, with any 'slip-ups' likely to be 'punished'.

The Gunners, Reds and Cityzens have been the protagonists of the EPL title race over the past few seasons. Occupying the top three spots after nine rounds of league fixtures, they are widely believed to be in contention for the 2024-25 title as well.

With both sides eager to get one over their opponents, Liverpool faced off against Arsenal on October 27. The game proved to be evenly matched, resulting in the teams sharing the spoils after a 2-2 draw.

Van Dijk acknowledged the difficulty of overcoming Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola's sides but claimed that it catalyzes his self-improvement. On the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the 33-year-old said (via Liverpool Echo):

"I would say in this case then the City and Arsenal, especially from last year, it's always tough against them. You know that if you're not focused for a second or slip up or whatever, you could get punished immediately."

"But that's the beauty of the Premier League anyway, you play against good strikers week in, week out, and then you have this year's Champions League back again. It's only something I really enjoy and it keeps me on my toes. I love it," Van Dijk added.

The Dutchman will be hoping to inspire his team to victory in Liverpool's first EPL encounter of the season against Manchester City on December 1.

"He's a solid one" - Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk opens up on comparisons with Arsenal star

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk called star Arsenal centre-back William Saliba a 'solid' centre-back. The Dutchman claimed that he was 'nowhere near' as good as the Frenchman when he was the same age as the latter is now (23).

Saliba has been one of the Gunners' best players over the past few seasons, playing a vital role in helping his side rival Manchester City for the league title. He has helped the North Londoners keep 32 clean sheets in his 72 EPL appearances (60 goals conceded) thus far.

The Frenchman is widely believed to be one of the best centre-backs in the world at the moment. Naturally, fans and media drew comparisons between him and Van Dijk, and ex-English defender Rio Ferdinand asked the 33-year-old for his opinion on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast.

The Dutchman praised Saliba, saying (via TBR Football):

"Obviously, Saliba is making very good steps at the moment. Yeah, he’s on the first one I just have in mind now. You know, he’s a solid one. I think in possession he’s doing a good job."

Ferdinand then asked Van Dijk, "Does he remind you of yourself a little bit? Because I liken him to you a little bit in a lot of aspects of his game."

The Dutchman replied, "Yeah, maybe. You know, I think if I’m honest, when I was that age, I was nowhere near where he was today. And obviously, that’s the beauty of football as well. I like to watch other defenders and pick up so many stuff from them. There are so many good ballplayers."

Saliba will next be in action in Arsenal's clash against Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday (November 2). Van Dijk will lead his men against Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on the same day.