Virgil Van Dijk: Liverpool star makes huge claim about the prospect of facing Lionel Messi

Virgil Van Dijk has spoken about the prospect of facing Lionel Messi.

Virgil Van Dijk registered his name on the score sheet as Liverpool completed a resounding display over FC Porto in the Champions League Quarterfinals. The aggregate read 6-1 because the Reds were simply rampant in front of the goal. They will now face Barcelona in the Champions League Semifinals.

Barcelona were the best team by a mile in their two-legged tie against Manchester United. They won the away leg 1-0 and 3-0 in front of their home supporters to set up a clash with Liverpool in the least four of the competition. Lionel Messi scored twice at Nou Camp on Tuesday.

Virgil Van Dijk, who is the heart of Liverpool’s defence was asked about the plan to stop Lionel Messi in the forthcoming tie. The Dutch International said “I don’t know, we’ll see. It’s going to be a great match-up for all of us. Obviously we’re very happy to be in the semi-final again and that’s the only thing I can say.

The Liverpool defender also believes that the whole team should have an effect on the result and dismisses that one man can change the game totally. But, he has said that he is coming up against the best player in the world.

“It’s about doing it all together, it’s never 1 vs 1, it’s never just me against a particular striker. It’s always us against everyone and I think that’s the only way we can defend well. And it’s going to be very hard and I think he’s the best player in the world but we’ll see.” said Van Dijk.

Manager Jurgen Klopp was also asked about the same and his reaction was brilliant. The Liverpool boss said “Thank God I don’t have to think about that tonight. I have a few nights. No one has so far managed it, but we will try. We have a few jobs before that.”

Here’s how Twitter reacted..

What’s next?

Barcelona will play Liverpool in the first leg of the Champions League Semifinals at Nou Camp on May 1 followed by the second leg at Anfield six days later. The winner between these two will meet either Ajax or Tottenham Hotspur on Wanda Metropolitano.