Liverpool center-back Virgil van Dijk will lead the protection as soon as once more when the Reds tackle Villarreal within the first leg of their Champions League semi-final conflict as we speak (April 27).
Forward of the encounter, Villarreal striker Arnaut Danjuma has revealed that he’s trying ahead to testing himself in opposition to among the best defenders in world soccer.
It’s value noting that Van Dijk and Danjuma are teammates within the Netherlands nationwide crew, with the Liverpool man being the present captain of the facet. Because of this, the striker feels their face-off at Anfield as we speak will probably be a particular one.
He advised ESPN (as quoted by Football Oranje):
“You all the time wish to compete on the highest stage and enhance there. Enjoying in opposition to Virgil is much more particular due to course he’s additionally my captain within the Dutch nationwide crew. And also you received’t discover a higher defender than Virgil.”
“For me this can be a nice alternative to point out myself once more in opposition to the most effective gamers on this planet.”
Arnaut Danjuma is having fun with a prolific run within the Champions League this time period, having bagged six objectives and one help for Villarreal in 10 appearances up to now.
The striker claims his numbers show he may cause harm to opposing defenses and is raring to see what he can do in opposition to Virgil van Dijk and Liverpool as we speak.
He stated:
“Up to now, so good. My stats and what I’ve proven present that I can do harm. I’ve the qualities to measure myself in opposition to the most effective gamers on this planet. However I nonetheless must maintain delivering.”
The 25-year-old added:
“Step one is to show your self, the second is to remain constant. I’m actually trying ahead to combating Virgil.”
Can Villarreal outclass Virgil van Dijk and Liverpool as we speak?
Villarreal despatched an enormous message throughout Europe once they edged previous Bayern Munich within the quarterfinals of the Champions League this season. Earlier than that, they took out Juventus within the Spherical of 16 stage in March.
If there’s something we have discovered from the Yellow Submarines this season, it is that they don’t seem to be petrified of anybody.
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Having stated that, Liverpool characterize a unique problem altogether. The Reds are arguably the most effective big-game performers on this planet for the time being. Can Villarreal scale via? Solely time will inform.
