2 years ago
417 Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has been described as “too nice” by Brentford’s Ivan Toney, in conversation with InchByInch.
The striker, who has just received his first England call-up, named the Reds ace in his Ultimate 5-a-side team.
However, Toney didn’t agree with the idea of “fearing” Van Dijk, saying there are defenders who look – and are – scarier.
Photo by Michael Bulder/NESImages/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
The Liverpool centre-back’s heroics over the years are well known.
Admittedly, Van Dijk has been below-par at times this season, though he’s not the only Liverpool player to have struggled.
However, the quality hasn’t deserted him by any means – he delivered a much better display against Ajax in midweek.
Meanwhile, Toney is one of the Premier League’s most in-form players at present, with five goals and two assists from six Premier League games.
The 26-year-old named Brentford teammate Frank Onyeka in midfield alongside Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne.
Two more Citizens icons – past and present – made the cut in goalkeeper Ederson and striker Sergio Aguero.
And in an effort to ‘balance it out’, Toney picked a Liverpool player for his defender – Van Dijk.
“I’ll get Van Dijk in there, definitely,” he said.
“He’s the one you were talking about, ‘you’re fearing’… nah, I don’t think… he’s too nice.
“There’s scarier defenders out there, they look scarier as well.
“He doesn’t look scary, he’s too nice!”
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Who needs ‘scary’ when you’re world-class?
It’s good to see Van Dijk get recognition from Toney, another top peer in the Premier League.
Admittedly, being deemed “too nice” may seem a bit like a backhanded compliment, but Van Dijk probably won’t care.
What matters is, he is one of the best centre-backs in the game, and has helped turn Liverpool into serial trophy winners.
At present, Van Dijk’s form hasn’t been the best, but form is temporary, while class is permanent.
And surely it won’t be long before Liverpool pick up form and get back to regular winning ways.
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