VIRGIL VAN DIJK has been left scratching his head over claims he said Lionel Messi was simply too good to play against. The Liverpool defender came up against a vintage Messi performance as his side lost 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Barcelona. The Argentinian scored twice to put the […]
VIRGIL VAN DIJK has been left scratching his head over claims he said Lionel Messi was simply too good to play against.
The Liverpool defender came up against a vintage Messi performance as his side lost 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.
The Argentinian scored twice to put the Spanish giants in the driving seat ahead of the second leg at Anfield next week.
Van Dijk spoke to the media after the game at the Nou Camp on Wednesday, with Spanish newspaper Marca reporting the Dutchman said Messi was unplayable.
“When he is at his best, there is nothing you can do to stop him,” Van Dijk is reported to have said. “I am glad I don’t play in Spain and have to face him every season.”
But the 27-year-old has claimed he never actually said those words and brandished the story ‘fake news’.
The player and Liverpool are thought to be frustrated by the quotes and bemused as to where they have come from.
Boss Jurgen Klopp will need his defender at his brilliant best over the coming week.
Liverpool face a huge game against Newcastle as they seek to reclaim top spot in the Premier League on Saturday evening.
They then host Barcelona and must overcome a three-goal deficit if they are to progress to the Champions League final.
Following that is a potential last-day decider.
Depending on results and the performances of title rivals Manchester City, Liverpool could face Wolves for a chance to win their first top flight crown for 29 years.
