Julian Alvarez bold Liverpool comment speaks volumes after Man City transfer

Julian Alvarez bold Liverpool comment speaks volumes after Man City transfer

Julian Alvarez has hailed Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk after his encounters with Manchester City

Julian Alvarez has made a telling remark about Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk. (Image: ESPN UK/X )

Former Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez has named Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk as one of his toughest opponents. The Argentine moved to Atletico Madrid in the summer but hasn't forgotten the skirmishes between City and the Reds.

Although Pep Guardiola's side have pipped Liverpool to the post in recent seasons, the Dutch defender has left a lasting impression on the 24-year-old. Following his knee injury, the Reds captain has been a divisive topic among football pundits as he became the topic for discussion.

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However, in recent seasons, he has been back to his best - in particular his first season with the captains armband after Jordan Henderson's exit. Previously, Van Dijk emerged as one of the most feared stoppers in world football.

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In a quickfire video with ESPN, Alvarez named the Dutchman as one of three of the toughest defenders he has faced - naming Tottenham Hotspur's Cristian Romero and Manchester United centre-back, Lisandro Martinez.

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"[Virgil] Van Dijk because he's very strong. He's one of the best defenders in the world," the Argentine said.

Former Premier League goalkeeper Ben Foster has previously described Van Dijk as one of the best defenders to ever live. He said: "I’ve got one I think we probably will put in the top 10 [defenders list],” the ex-England international said on his podcast.

"Some people would say about longevity, but I still think in the whole pantheon of centre-backs, this guy stepped the game up a little bit. I really do. Virgil van Dijk.

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"I think for three years in a row, he was the best centre-back in the world. He had a bad injury and is probably still finding his feet from that.

"Virgil van Dijk, peak of his powers, is the best defender that has ever lived. I genuinely believe that. When Liverpool are winning the Champions League and Premier League, Virgil is the number one. People have just got short memories and the cruciate ligament injury has probably taken a yard of pace off him."

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