Arsenal star Martin Odegaard has named Virgil van Dijk as one of the toughest opponents he has faced ahead of his side’s clash with Liverpool this weekend.
The Gunners visit Anfield on Saturday looking to leapfrog Jurgen Klopp’s side in the Premier League table with a win.
Odegaard joined the Gunners on a permanent deal from Spanish giants Real Madrid in the summer, after spending the second half of last season on loan at the Emirates.
And when asked who the two toughest defenders he’s played against in his career so far were, the Norway international named Van Dijk and former team-mate Sergio Ramos.
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“That’s a hard one, of course I have to mention Sergio Ramos, I played against him a couple of times In Spain,” Odegaard said.
“Also Virgil van Dijk, I played against him with the national team, so I would say those two maybe. They were tough.”
Van Dijk has been colossal at the back for the Reds since joining from Southampton in January 2018.
Since his arrival at Anfield, Liverpool have won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and their first league title for 30 years.
While in an interview with his former Norwegian club Stromsgodset back in November 2014, Odegaard admitted that Liverpool is his “dream club”.
He said: "Liverpool have always been my dream club. But I will not let this affect my decision when I choose a new club.
"It's all about finding the team that is best for me and for my development. That is not necessarily Liverpool.
"I haven't really thought about my future yet. I will end the season here and then visit a number of clubs. I have not made a final decision yet, though.
"Of course, it's flattering when you hear that big clubs are after you, but I don't think about it too often."
