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Virgil van Dijk names Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero as toughest opponents

Van Dijk names Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero as toughest opponents
© Reuters
Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk names Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi and Manchester City record-scorer Sergio Aguero as his toughest opponents.

Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk has named Argentine duo Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero as his toughest opponents.

Van Dijk is widely regarded as one of the world's best defenders having helped Liverpool to the brink of Premier League glory this season as well as Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup success last year.

The 28-year-old missed out to Barcelona talisman Messi in the Ballon d'Or voting in 2019, and he acknowledged that the six-time winner - along with Manchester City rival Aguero - are the toughest forwards he has faced.

When asked about his most difficult opponent during a Twitter Q&A, Van Dijk said: "There are some difficult strikers out there but probably Leo Messi."

The Dutchman was then asked who was the hardest striker to mark, to which he replied: "Aguero."

Van Dijk has made 41 appearances for Liverpool this season, scoring four goals.

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