Brazilian number six Fabinho says he has only ever seen one man dispossess Virgil van Dijk: Roberto Firmino.
Van Dijk is more known for his defensive abilities off the ball than he is on it – only Leroy Sane got past him last season, when he was playing for Germany against the Netherlands in November – but the Dutchman is a top player in every regard.
Fabinho has certainly been impressed with him since he joined the Reds last summer from French side Monaco.
He told De Sola: “I’m usually on his team, thank God! The only guy I’ve ever seen winning a ball from him in training was Firmino – only once.”
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Van Dijk is right up amongst the favourites for the Ballon d’Or for 2019 having been a huge part of the Reds team that won the Champions League and accumulated 97 Premier League points.
He’s not back for pre-season training yet having represented the Netherlands at the UEFA Nations League a week or so after the Champions League final, but will be back raring to go again ahead of the new campaign.