Manchester City star Sergio Aguero has explained why Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk is one of the best defenders in the world and spoken about why it is so hard to play against him.
Van Dijk has been highly influential for Liverpool since moving to Anfield from Southampton in January 2018, playing a huge role in Liverpool's Champions League win in 2019 and this season's incredible run in the Premier League.
And Aguero says it is the defender's patient approach and imposing physical nature that make him a tricky proposition for attackers.
"We all know Van Dijk is one of the best centre-backs in the world. He's strong, tall, has an incredible body," Aguero told El Chiringuito.
"He's very strong face to face, he plays with his body. Also, given he is so tall, he has those long legs..."
Aguero suggested Van Dijk could surprise some players with his deceptive pace.
"It looks like he isn't fast but he is, because of his long legs – he can reach everywhere," Aguero added. "Two steps from him are 50 for me!
"What I like the most is the way he is so smart when defending. He's not anxious when marking, he's very careful and patient. That makes it difficult for many strikers.
"In my case, I'm pretty fast and I like to dribble, so I need the defender to come. But if he holds he can wait for help from another defender. He's very good at this."
