Manchester City’s record-breaking goalscorer Erling Haaland says Virgil van Dijk remains the toughest opponent he has faced in the Premier League.

The Norwegian has previously praised the Dutchman but the defender has been through a dip in form this season, with many pundits openly criticising him for some of his displays. Haaland still believes, though, he is the best defender in the English top flight:

“There’s many good defenders. I have to say, Liverpool’s Van Dijk is so good. I’ve met him many times with [the] national team, played in Salzburg, met him, he’s really good. That’s who I can think of right now.”

Considering Haaland has conquered all before him this campaign, including scoring in the 3-2 win over the Reds in the Carabao Cup back in December, it seems he reserves a huge amount of respect for van Dijk.

While there are some fans who believe the Dutchman is now in terminal decline, after a difficult season where Liverpool’s defence has looked anything but secure, there is hope that the 31-year-old can find his top level again.

Van Dijk’s Form Will Be Key To Liverpool’s Revival

Despite all the talk about spending millions on reinforcing the club’s midfield, the Reds won’t be able to challenge for the Premier League title again unless van Dijk gets back to his best.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have conceded 43 times so far this season and that number will have to improve massively if they are to go head-to-head with Haaland’s City once more.