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Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has showered praise on Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk as respect continues to flow between the two superstars. Haaland named his Dutch counterpart as the toughest defender he has faced so far in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, the Norwegian has been a huge revelation since switching to the Premier League last summer. The Manchester City forward has recorded 36 goals and seven assists in 34 appearances in the English top flight, becoming the quickest player to reach that figure in a season in division history.
Despite his astounding dominance in the Premier League this season, the 22-year-old is humble enough to admit that one defender has given him a run for his money. That defender is, of course, Virgil van Dijk.
“There’s many good defenders," the striker said during an interview with Optus Sport (via HITC). "I have to say, Liverpool’s Van Dijk is so good. I’ve met him many times with (the) national team, played in Salzburg, met him; he’s really good. That’s who I can think of right now."
This isn't the first time Erling Haaland has sung Virgil van Dijk's praise. The Manchester City striker, during his time at Borussia Dortmund, hailed Van Dijk as the best defender in the world, during an interview with ESPN.
"You know how tall he is, how strong he is and how fast he is, and also the timing is crazy," Haaland said of his Dutch counterpart. "I don't think I won one duel against him because he's a physical monster."
The Norwegian added:
"I do not really fear anyone, I think he is the best defender. I think quite a few others in the room (in the press conference) agree with me on that. He is fast, strong and 'bad' smart, and there are three important things you must have. I have played against him twice, I have said that he is the best I have met."
Haaland, meanwhile, is on course to win a continental treble in his first season on English shores, having netted 52 times across competitions.
What's next for Erling Haaland and Manchester City?
After securing the Premier League title, Manchester City will play their last two games in the English top flight against Brighton & Hove Albion (May 23) and Brentford (May 28) before squaring off with Manchester United in the FA Cup final on June 3.
They will also have the opportunity to win their first UEFA Champions League crown when they take on Inter Milan in the final of the competition on June 7. Should they go all the way in both tournaments, Haaland will lay his hands on the treble in his very first season at the club.
The Cityzens will hope that he maintains his brilliant form in front of goal heading into the two finals.
