We don't have to be scared - Chelsea star claims they aren't afraid of Virgil van Dijk ahead of the crucial clash against Liverpool

By Sayan Chatterjee

Modified Apr 13, 2019 08:58 GMT

The Van Dijk led Liverpool defence has conceded the least number of goals

What's the story?

Chelsea sharpshooter, Olivier Giroud, has claimed that they are not afraid of Virgil van Dijk ahead of their crucial clash against Liverpool in the Premier League.

In case you didn't know...

Virgil van Dijk has been an asset for Jurgen Klopp's side since his arrival. The Van Dijk led Liverpool defence has conceded the least number of goals (20) in 33 Premier League matches.

As a result, the Reds are top of the league table with 82 points, two points ahead of second placed Manchester City who have played a game less. Arguably, Van Dijk's impact is unmatched in the current Liverpool side.

On the other hand, Chelsea are third on the League table with 66 points but will attempt to kill the hopes of Liverpool fans just like they did in 2014. Chelsea defeated Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool 2-0, which is infamously known as the match where Steven Gerrard slipped and let Demba Ba free on goal.

Olivier Giroud has played a pivotal role in Chelsea's quest for the Europa League and has racked up 11 goals in all competition - 9 of them coming in the Europa League. The veteran forward scored the only goal for Chelsea in their 1-0 win against Van Dijk's Liverpool last year.

The heart of the matter

The French sharpshooter admitted that Chelsea are not scared of anyone, despite Virgil van Dijk being in red hot form.

"I've played against him personally a few times and it has always been a tough position because he is very good and very strong, but I've scored a few goals playing against his teams," said Giroud as quoted by Sky sports.

"I lost against him when we played the Netherlands recently, but I won last year and scored at Stamford Bridge, and scored the winner at the Stade de France against the Netherlands a few months ago."