Virgil van Dijk has a lot of respect for Steven Gerrard, but he believes there is one former player who has the edge over Liverpool’s longest serving captain.
Virgil van Dijk was recently named in the FIFPRO World 11 for a fifth time, with the centre-back continuing to perform at the highest level of English football.
The Netherlands international earned his place among Europe’s elite players after he helped Liverpool win the Premier League title last season.
The champions of England are experiencing a tricky campaign this time around and van Dijk will be disappointed with the number of goals his team have conceded.
However, he has scored twice in the Champions League and found the net with a terrific header against Manchester City, only for the goal to be disallowed.
Van Dijk recently took the time to speak with GOAL, as he played football knockout. The aim of the game is to compare two players formerly named in the FIFPRO World 11 and decide which one was better, leading to a grand finale between the top greatest players.
Ex-Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard was one of eight players shown to van Dijk and he was placed against Toni Kroos. The former Real Madrid has lined up against van Dijk on multiple occasions, including two Champions League finals.
Van Dijk selected Gerrard as his pick between the pair and also chose him in the next round ahead of Iker Casillas, another Real Madrid legend.
Gerrard was just one pick away from being named as van Dijk’s best player, but he lost out to 2005 Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldinho.
Van Dijk said: “I have to go for Ronaldinho because he was my idol when I was younger, so Ronaldinho wins it.”
It may come as a surprise that van Dijk’s football hero was not a defender. After all, his country produced some great players in that position including Ronald Koeman, Frank de Boer and Jaap Stam.
This does make sense, however, as van Dijk played in various positions as a youngster, including as a striker and a midfielder.
He eventually found the role which suited him best and now many future prospects will name van Dijk as the player who inspired them to play football.
