Top clubs across Europe are fighting to get his signature, but Erling Haalan made the news after he named Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk as the toughest defender that he has faced. The Dortmund star has gone up against Van Dijk at the club and also at the international level and was full of praises for the Dutch defender.
Haaland has highlighted Virgil Van Dijk’s physicality, strength, pace and precision that makes him different from other defenders. The Dortmund striker recently told ESPN about how good Virgil van Dijk is as a defender.
“You know how tall he is, how strong he is and how fast he is, and also the timing is crazy. I don’t think I won one duel against him because he’s a physical monster.”
Haaland has previously also praised Van Dijk ahead of Norway and the Netherlands’ clash in the World Cup Qualifiers on last September. “I do not really fear anyone, I think he [Van Dijk] is the best defender,” the Borussia Dortmund striker told a press conference when asked the defender he fears.
The match did see a very intense battle between the two players. Haaland kept Van Dijk on his toes with his exceptional movement. Van Dijk even broke his finger but did not let the Dortmund star score in the ninety minutes. The Dutch finally won the game 2-0 as Steven Berwijn and Memphis Depay scored the important goals.
Haaland recently will have to decide on his future as his release clause is all set to drop to €75 million at the end of the season. At that price, there will be many suitors for the Norwegian marksman.
Clubs like Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, etc are looking to secure his services as he is the hottest prospect in the transfer market.
Haaland continues to be a huge impact for the Black and Yellows as he looks to notch up goals consistently. He has scored 20 appearances for Borussia Dortmund across all competitions, recording 23 goals and six assists to his name. A splendid return, something that makes him stand out among next-generation superstars.
Liverpool are looking to replace the front trio of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino. Having Haaland will only help them speed up the process as the Norweigian striker may just replace the Brazilian as age his catching him up.
