Throughout his career, Van Dijk has faced some of the game’s most dangerous attackers. However, when it comes to the greatest player in the world, the Dutch center-back doesn’t hesitate to place Lionel Messi at the top.

Despite battling legendary forwards like Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Suarez, Karim Benzema, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe throughout his career, Van Dijk considers Messi the best of all time.

After helping Liverpool secure the UEFA Champions League title in 2019, Van Dijk was a Ballon d’Or contender. However, during a post-match press conference following their victory over Tottenham, Van Dijk made it clear that Messi deserved the honor, calling him the best player in the world.

“I think Messi is the best player in the world,” Van Dijk said. “I think he deserves to win the Ballon d’Or as long as he keeps playing… He has that extra element that he’s shown in recent years”.

In a 2022 interview with Sky Sports Premier League, Van Dijk also acknowledged Messi as one of the toughest opponents he’s ever faced. “Who’s the toughest opponent I’ve faced? Lionel Messi. Cristiano Ronaldo and he have been putting up incredible numbers for the past decade, and it’s unbelievable what they’ve achieved,” Van Dijk said. “But in this case, (the toughest opponent of my career) is Lionel Messi”.

Van Dijk reflects on his toughest encounter with Messi

In the same interview with Sky Sports, Van Dijk recalled the unforgettable 2019 UEFA Champions League semifinal between Barcelona and Liverpool, where the English side made an incredible comeback. Barcelona had won the first leg 3-0, with Messi scoring a brace, but Liverpool overturned the deficit with a 4-0 victory at Anfield, securing their spot in the final.

“With Messi on the pitch, we had a very tough night in Barcelona in 2019,” Van Dijk recalled. “When you face Messi and he’s at his best, there’s nothing you can do. I’m glad I’m not in Spain, so I don’t have to face him every season. He scored two goals, and I left very disappointed”.

Messi’s praise for Van Dijk

Despite only facing Van Dijk three times—winning two of those encounters, one with Barcelona and the other with Argentina—Messi has never been shy about praising the quality of the Dutch defender. In a 2019 interview with Diario Marca, Messi lauded Van Dijk’s ability to not only defend but also contribute offensively, especially with his aerial prowess.

“He’s a defender who knows how to time his challenges and wait for the right moment to step in or hold his ground,” Messi said. “He’s very fast and big, but he’s also very agile for his size. He’s quick due to his long stride and impressive in the air, both in defense and attack because he scores a lot of goals“.

The Saudi Pro League has received a lot of attention recently. Last year, Cristiano Ronaldo decided to leave Europe and join Al Nassr, club that offered him a $200 million salary per year until the summer of 2025.

However, Al Nassr is aware that Cristiano Ronaldo must be surrounded by other top players to achieve success. The club has been adding several stars since his arrival, and now they are set to add one more this summer.

Virgil van Dijk offered contract by Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr

Al Nassr continues to attract top talent. The Saudi Arabian club is now targeting a top defender, making a highly attractive offer to Virgil van Dijk that could pique his interest.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Al Nassr has already reached out to Virgil van Dijk’s agents to discuss a potential move this summer. The center back’s contract with Liverpool expires in the summer of 2025.

Van Dijk turns 33 next month, which is why Liverpool may be interested in parting ways with him before he becomes a free agent. According to Transfermarkt, Virgil van Dijk’s value is around $35 million.

The report indicates that Al Nassr has offered Virgil van Dijk a substantial contract that would make him the highest-paid defender in the world. The club aims to pair him in defense with Aymeric Laporte to build a formidable backline with Premier League experience.

Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in 2023, Al Nassr has been adding several stars to build a remarkable roster. If Virgil van Dijk joins, he would reunite with former Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane, who signed with the Saudi Arabian club last summer.

How much did Liverpool pay for Virgil van Dijk?

Virgil van Dijk is widely regarded as one of the best center backs globally. He joined Liverpool in 2018 at the request of then-coach Jurgen Klopp, who sought to strengthen the team’s defense.

Liverpool paid Southampton $90 million for Van Dijk’s transfer in 2018, having previously acquired him from Celtic for $18 million, thus making a clear profit from his subsequent sale to the Reds.

So, to have the nerve to troll one of Jürgen Klopp’s best soldiers takes a lot of guts. But that is what two infamous teammates have done as Van Dijk has to put up with some taunting and trolling by this terrible duo.

Argentine Alexis Mac Allister and Liverpool scoring legend Mohamed Salah are the two teammates in question and have a particular way at getting under the skin of Virgil van Dijk.

Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah troll Virgil van Dijk

According to Sports Bible, Virgil van Dijk has to hear Alexis Mac Allister use Lionel Messi’s infamous ‘Anda Pa Alla Bobo!’ phrase made famous by the Argentine’s post-match comments when Argentina had defeated the Netherlands.

“Me and Salah, all day long are saying ‘Anda Pa Alla Bobo!’ [What are you looking at fool] to Van Dijk. We are driving him crazy, and we also do that among ourselves” Mac Allister admitted.

Lionel Messi had told TyC Sports in an interview that he regretted breaking his usual calm demeanor by saying what he had to the Dutch player. “I don’t like what I did… I don’t like the ‘keep moving’ and all that. But well, they are moments of huge tension and huge nervousness, and everything happens very fast.”

According to The Sun, Van Dijk will study his options, going as far as stating “I don’t know” when it comes to the defender committing his future to The Reds past those two seasons.

The 32-year-old former Celtic defender has been with the club since 2018 and has played 246 games and scored 21 goals winning all 7 of Jurgen Klopp’s titles with the club.

Virgil van Dijk comments on Liverpool future

In speaking to reporters Van Dijk stated, “The club will have a big job on their hands. To replace not only the manager but the whole staff, there are so many things that will change.

“Obviously it will be the end of Jurgen Klopp’s era. I am very glad that I am still part of it. That is why I don’t like to speak about it. I am still part of it. That is my main focus, and we will see at the end of the season. Hopefully, we have the success that we all dream of and fight for each day and, by then, there will probably be more clarification for what the club wants for the future and then we will see.”

Players who are rumored to leave with Klopp

Reports indicate that Virgil van Dijk is one of a few players that could leave with the German manager, the others being, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

All three players have contracts until 2025 and could work their way out of their deals this summer. Liverpool will first have to find a new director of Football before hiring a new manager as Jörg Schmadtke will also leave the club at the end of the season.

“I will not wear the One Love armband tomorrow. We have chosen to wear the ‘UEFA Respect’ armband” were van Dijk’s comments on the matter. Van Dijk took the same stance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup after FIFA stated it would yellow card any captain that would do so during the tournament.

The Netherlands are assured at least a playoff spot as it looks like they will not finish in first place, but they need a big win against France to try and catch up. The Euro 2024 championship will be held in Germany from June 14- July 14, 2024.

Virgil van Dijk on player schedules

The Dutch captain also commented about the large playing schedule of players, “In England we believe the schedules are too busy. The players are getting paid well but it should never come at the cost of our health”.

“We keep having to play more and more games. We as players should start saying something about it, contribute to a solution”.

The Netherlands in 2023

It has been an up and down year for Ronald Koeman’s side in 2023, the Orange lost three major games against France, Croatia, and Italy. Their most notable victory of the year was against Ireland.

The Dutch will try to bounce back from a 4-0 loss to France earlier in the year for Euro 2024 qualifying where Kylian Mbappé scored two goals on the day.

The Dutch manager had already taken a shot at Messi before their quarterfinal game, which turned out to be arguably the most heated match of the entire tournament.

Van Gaal’s comments didn’t sit well with Leo, who dedicated one of his goals to the former Barcelona coach that night. Months later, van Gaal suggested that the World Cup was fixed for Messi to lift the trophy.

What did Louis van Gaal say about Messi’s World Cup triumph with Argentina?

“I don’t really want to say much about it. If you see how Argentina gets the goals and how we get the goals and how some of Argentina’s players crossed the line and weren’t punished, then I think it’s all preconceived game,” van Gaal told Dutch outlet NOS. “I mean everything I say by that. That Messi had to become world champion? I think so, yes.”

Virgil van Dijk, Dutch players react to van Gaal’s comments

“I heard it this morning. He can say what he wants, it is of course his opinion. Everyone can have an opinion. But I don’t agree with him and I don’t share the same opinion,” van Dijk said about van Gaal’s comments in an interview with NOS. “So you and the squad don’t stand behind his words?,” the journsalist asked, to which the Liverpool defender replied, “No.”

Goalkeeper Mark Flekken echoed van Dijk’s sentiments with the same outlet, “We talked about Van Gaal’s comments regarding Messi this morning. If that’s his opinion, then he is allowed to share it. But personally I don’t agree with his opinion.”

How many times have Argentina won the World Cup?

Argentina have lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy on three occasions (1978, 1986, and 2022).

Some of the most notable transactions that have taken place in the winter are Pierre Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund to Arsenal in the winter of 2018 for a fee in the 64-million-euro range. Then there was Chelsea’s Oscar who was sold to Shanghai Port in 2017 for 60 million euros.

So, who are the top 5 most expensive winter signings? We will count them down, one of the players will be very familiar and that USMNT star comes in at number 5.

5. Christian Pulisic – Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea 2019 – 64 million euros

The American superstar was bought in the winter of 2019, the talented winger is still at Chelsea and is starting to gain starting minutes and has played 135 games and scored 26 goals. Pulisic has won a UEFA Champions League and Club World Cup with The Blues.

4. Aymeric Laporte – Athletic Bilbao to Manchester City 2018 – 65 million euros

The Manchester City defender was purchased in the winter of 2018 and has played over 100 matches for City. In five and a half years Laporte has played 164 games and has scored 12 goals for the club winning nine championships.

3. Dušan Vlahović – Fiorentina to Juventus 2022 – 82 million euros

It was one of the transfer sagas of 2022, where Serbian striker Dušan Vlahović was going to play? His scoring talent at Fiorentina demanded a major move and after interest from Premier League teams it was Juventus that finally got Dušan Vlahović. In only one year the Serbian has 16 goals in 36 matches.

2. Virgil van Dijk – Southampton to Liverpool 2018 – 85 million euros

The Netherlands defender was playing out of this world at Southampton and considered by many to be one of the best centre backs in the world. In 2018 Virgil van Dijk became a Red in the winter and has played 204 games and scored 18 goals.

1. Philippe Coutinho – Barcelona to Aston Villa 2022 – 135 million euros

Stuck on a Barcelona side that was riddled with debt and frankly did not want the Brazilian anymore after a loan spell at Bayern Munich it was Premier League side Aston Villa that made the big move. 135 million euros was paid for Philippe Coutinho in 2022 and the returns have been lukewarm 5 goals in only 32 matches.

Virgil van Dijk, for instance, has won it all at the club level: Champions League, Premier League, Club World Cup, and so on. But Qatar certainly has a special meaning for him, and not only because it’s his first World Cup since Netherlands failed to qualify for Russia 2018.

The Liverpool center-back is about to live one of the biggest moments in his career. However, van Dijkcouldn’t have even thought about it a few years back, when he felt his life was on the line.

Virgil van Dijk once wrote a will as he felt his life was at risk

Van Dijk has forged a reputation for being oneof the best and strongestdefenders on Earth. But things could have gone very differently for the Dutchman when he underwent surgery on a burst appendix at only 21.

“I looked death in the eye – and it was a terrible experience,” van Dijk said, viaThe Mirror. The Dutch defender, who was playing for Groningen by then, was admitted to hospital suffering fromaccute appendicitis, which led to peritonitis and uraemia, akidney infection— a combination that could prove fatal for many patients.

“I remember lying in bed,” van Dijk said. “All I could see were tubes and wires on my body. My body was broken. I was not capable of anything. The worst things went through my mind.”

In fact, doctorstold van Dijk’s mother Ruby that his son only managed to pull through thanks to his incredible fitness levels. But van Dijk had to go through extremely difficult days, in which he fearedso much for his life that he even wrote a will.

“My mother and I were both praying to God and, to be honest, we were discussing various scenarios,” he said. “At one point, I had to sign these documents.It was a will. If I would die in hospital, part of my money would go to my mum.

“Nobody wanted to raise this issue, but it needed to be dealt with because there was a chance that I would die there and then.For the first time in my life, football meant nothing to me. It was not important at all. This was all about trying to stay alive.”

When you go through something like that, nothing else matters. Van Dijk experienced a horrific life or death situation, way before he became the world-renowned superstar he is nowadays. Fortunately, he came through.

Behind the great defender, there’s a tale of fortitude that saw van Dijk overcome a challenging situation early in his career. Now, he hopes to have a World Cup to remember with his national team. Will Netherlands go far in Qatar?Using this World Cup Predictor, you can see every potential outcome of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

After his arrival from Southampton in 2018, Virgil van Dijk has become a cornerstone of Jurgen Klopp’s project with Liverpool. The titles speak for themselves: 2018-2019 Champions League, 2019-2020 Premier League, 2019 UEFA Super Cup, 2019 FIFA Club World Cup and 2022 FA Community Shield among many others.

Considering his extraordinary 2018-2019 season, Virgil van Dijk won the UEFA and Premier League Player of the Year Awards and three times he’s been named to the Team of the Year in the Premier League: 2018-2019, 2019-2020 and 2021-2022. All these achievements were rewarded by Liverpool with a spectacular contract.

Virgil van Dijk’s contract with Liverpool: How much he makes per hour, day, week, monthand year?

Virgil van Dijk joined Liverpool after an almost $80 milliontransfer from Southampton on 2018. His first contract with the Reds was set to end on June 2023, but, on August 2021, the defender got an extension until 2025 based on his remarkable performances for the team.

That contract was very special for him, because it came after his knee injury on October 2020 which left him out for nine months. ‘I am looking forward to what the future brings together with Liverpool. I’m delighted, very happy and proud’, said the defender about that sign of confidence from the club.

Virgil van Dijk signed that new four-year/$53 million contract and, after that agreement, the annual salary for the Dutch player is $13.2 million. The defender makes $1.1 million per month, $276k per week, $39kper day and almost $1.6kper hour.

Following a 2-2 draw at Fulham, Jurgen Klopp‘s side found itself trailing for much of the Crystal Palace game at Anfieldon Monday. After 57 minutes, things got even more complicated for the hosts as Darwin Nunez saw the red card.

The Uruguayan striker, who made his way to Merseyside for $82m this summer, lost his cool and headbutted Joachim Andersen. Though the Reds later tied the game, Virgil van Dijk was not pleased at all with his teammate’s reaction.

Virgil van Dijk says Darwin Nunez has to ‘control himself’

“Obviously he was disappointed and also probably with himself but it’s a learning curve and obviously we will always back him,” van Dijk said, via The Sun. “He’s got the backing from us and he knows it should not happen again and hopefully it will be that way.

“He has to control himself, definitely. I think that’s a separate thing. He has to manage himself, he has to be knowing that these things can happen, especially in the Premier League. It will be a learning curve for him and hopefully it will never happen again.”

Despite being down to 10 men, the Reds managed to tie the game through a fantastic goal from Luis Diaz. Van Dijk took pride in the way his team bounced back after the red card, but still made it clear that what Nunez did cannot happen again.

“I think with 10 men we played outstanding,” van Dijk added. “We put them under pressure. Obviously we took a lot of risks because we had to score the equaliser and were hoping to get the winner. But (playing with 10 men) should not happen. Obviously we’re disappointed to draw and not get the win, for sure.”

Up next for Liverpool is a trip to Old Trafford to take on lifelong rivals Manchester United, who haven’t started their campaign strongly either, losing the first two games of the season. Therefore, the upcoming derby is a must-win for both sides.

Big-time signings have also been part of the Premier, and this transfer window could see a record-breaking move. According to The Sun, Harry Kane isset to joinManchester City, after Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy finally agreed to release the team’s superstar to English rivals.

The Citizens have been long-time admirers of the England international, especially after he made clear to be wantingout of Spurs this summer. They’d meetthe $220 million price tag Levy set for Kane, establishing the record transferin the Premier League history. Here, find out who are the 10 most expensive signings in the league so far, with the figures provided by TransferMarkt.

10. Angel Di María (Manchester United)

Following an outstanding performance in the 2014 UEFA Champions League final in which he helped Real Madrid winning the so-called “Décima” (tenth UCL title), Angel Di María made a shocking move to Manchester United for $82.50 million becoming the most expensive signing in the league at that moment.

However, as we know, the move didn’t turn out well and it is considered one of the biggest flops in the Premier League history. Di María is undoubtedly one of the best Argentine players from the last two decades, he even helped his national team winning a long-awaited Copa America title, but his lone season at Manchester wasn’t one to remember. He played in 27 league games, scoring just three goals while providing 11 assists.

9. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Unlike the previous record-signing transfer, Kevin De Bruyne‘s move to Manchester City for $83.60 million ahead of the 2015/16 campaign had clearly a much better result. The Belgian superstar rose to stardom at the Etihad following a breakout spell at Wolfsburg and went on to become a Citizens legend.

De Bruyne, who couldn’t shine at Chelsea before, had a great return to the Premier League amassing 177 appearances throughout five seasons with the Sky Blues, with whom he lifted the league trophy three times.

8. Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea)

Goalkeepers play a crucial role in the game, even though they oftendon’t get the credit they deserve. Chelsea, however, knew how important having a dependable man between the sticks could be, so they went all in and spent $88 million for Kepa Arrizabalaga, who left Athletic Bilbao in 2018 to become the Premier League’s most expensive goalkeeper.

As we know, that move didn’t work as expected, as Kepa struggled to be the reliable keeper the Blues were looking for and he even was in the eye of the storm for some unbelievable mistakes. Eventually, he lost his place in the starting eleven, but his move to Chelsearemains the highest transfer for a goalie in the English first division.

7. Nicolas Pépé (Arsenal)

As we’ve seen so far, spending loads of money not always pays off. Nicolas Pépé seems to be a clear example ofthat, as the $88 million Arsenal spent on him hasn’t brought the expected results. The former Lille player arrived for the 2019/20 seasonas one of the most promising talents from Ligue 1, but he left a lot to be desired.

Still, it hasn’t been all bad. Pépé may have not lived up to expectations, especially considering how much they spent for him, yet he proved some glimpses of his talent and scored some stunners with his left foot. Then again, Arsenal are still expecting more from Pépé before jumping to any conclusion, but it seems like the $88 million bid for him was way too excessive.

6. Kai Havertz (Chelsea)

Following a season without spending due to a transfer ban, Chelsea were desperate to make big-name signings ahead of the 2020/21 season looking to get back to local and continental prominence. Kai Havertz became their record-breaking signing for $88 million and he ended up responding in the best possible way.

The 22-year-old has made a statement at Bayer Leverkusen, yet few clubs were able to spend after the pandemic outbreak. That wasn’t the case for the Blues, who seized their huge budget and secured the German superstar. Havertz may have struggled to shine during his first season, but he paidback the confidence in him scoring the winner in the 2020/21 Champions League Final.

5. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

They say that a good attack can win games, while a good defense wins championships. Liverpool made a wise decision in January 2018 byspending $93.12 million on Virgil van Dijk to add the piece they were missing to get back to glory days.

The former Southampton defender was ready to chase a new challenge in his career, but the question was who wasgoing to meet Soton’s demands. The Reds seemed to make a bold move at that time, spending too much money for a centerback, but eventually, they proved to be right. The Dutchman has become a key piece at Liverpool’s defense and helped themto succeedat theChampions and PremierLeague.

4. Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United)

The Red Devils are once again on this list, proving they were desperateand wealthy enough to make some of the biggest signings in the Premier League. Manchester United paid $93.17 million to Everton for Romelu Lukaku in 2017, who became a goal-scoring machine at the Goodison Park.

The Belgian striker was up to the challenge at Old Trafford, but the club wasn’t at its best times at that moment. Lukaku was one of the few standoutsin disappointing years for the Red Devils, as he scored 42 goals in 96 Premier League appearances.

3. Jadon Sancho (Manchester United)

A highly-anticipated move that finally became true, Manchester United sealed Jadon Sancho’s arrival from Borussia Dortmund for $93.50 million ahead of the 2021/22 season. It was no secret that United were long-time admirers of Sancho, who was a complete standout at the Bundesliga.

Aiming towin silverware after a long time, they have finally secured the England international for alower price than expected, even though it’s still a big sum of money. Needless to say, the Premier League fans will be in for a treat this season.

2. Harry Maguire (Manchester United)

Following van Dijk’s record signing for a defender in early 2018, Manchester United seemed to have learned thatto fight for a championshipthey must boost their defense as well. In August 2019, they acquired Harry Maguire from Leicester for $95.70 million.

The Englishman has certainly impressed during his spell with the Foxes and United apparently saw in him the answer for their problems at the back. It didn’t turn out as well as van Dijk’s move to Liverpool did, but Maguire eventually proved his worth and now he is just hoping to win a major prize to confirm they were right in signing him.

1. Paul Pogba (Manchester United)

Manchester United have definitely made the most expensive signings in the Premier League history so far. Then again, spending loads of money not always secures results nortrophies. The Red Devils shocked the soccer world in 2016 by landingPaul Pogba from Juventus for $115.50 million, making him the highest incoming transfer in history by then.

By signing him for such money, United seemed to be admitting they were wrong in letting him go only a few years ago. The French superstar impressed at Juve and he was undoubtedly a world-class player. However, over $100 million seemed to be a bit excessive for him, and he even struggled to be at his best for the Red Devils. To be fair, Pogba didn’t have much of a superteam to help United tasting glory again and he even delivered good performances, but the money invested in him didn’t bringthe expected results so far.