Ex-Liverpool captain Jamie Redknapp says Virgil van Dijk will encounter “problems” when he faces Newcastle’s Alexander Isak in the Carabao Cup final next month.

The Swede terrorised two of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, Arsenal pair William Saliba and Gabriel, on Wednesday night and Redknapp claims van Dijk could face similar issues:

“We spoke a lot about Virgil [van Dijk] but there is one player that Virgil can have problems with – and that’s Alexander Isak.”

“Mind you, everyone has problems with Isak. That will be an absolute blockbuster, those two up against each other.”

Liverpool’s backline is capable of stopping Isak

As Liverpool fans witnessed when he fired in the opening goal against the Reds during the 3-3 draw back in December, it can be very hard to stop him when he is in such good form.

It should be pointed out, though, that van Dijk didn’t have Ibrahima Konate alongside him that day, and the Frenchman’s presence could make all the difference at Wembley.

The van Dijk and Konate partnership is a perfect combination of pace, power, aerial ability and football IQ so Isak will know he’s been in a game.

Newcastle will be a tough opponent

After securing a 4-0 aggregate victory over the Gunners, Eddie Howe’s side are likely to be a very difficult proposition in the final.

The Magpies have not won a trophy for 70 years so there will be added motivation for them to win.

Of course, Arne Slot will be determined to pick up his first major honour as Liverpool manager too, but the club are fighting on four fronts so it isn’t necessarily the be-all an end-all for the Reds this season. With that being said, they will have to match their opponent’s desire and effort if they want to come out on top.

Find out who is in Liverpool’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here