Noni Madueke says ‘fast’ Liverpool player is the toughest opponent he’s had in his career
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Noni Madueke has shared high praise for Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.To this day, Van Dijk remains the Reds’ most expensive January addition, signing from Southampton as Jurgen Klopp looked to assemble a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title.The Dutchman cemented himself as the cornerstone of Liverpool’s backline and has now been named by Arsenal winger Noni Madueke as his toughest opponent. Which Liverpool legend will you miss more: Mohamed Salah or Virgil van Dijk?
Two of the greats came up with the heroics against Everton, but nothing lasts forever… ☹️ Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images Virgil van Dijk is Noni Madueke’s toughest opponentThe former Chelsea talent sat down with Sky Sports this week to answer a number of fan questions.One question saw Madueke asked: “Who’s the toughest opponent you’ve ever faced? I’m intrigued to know who you’re going to say for this.”He went on to select Liverpool star Van Dijk, whom he labelled as ‘fast’ and tough to get in behind.Madueke said: “I would probably say Van Dijk, he’s just so big and fast as well, he’s difficult to get in behind.”High praise for the ex-Southampton stopper, but not surprising when you consider Van Dijk is regarded as one of the best Premier League centre-backs ever.However, just as Liverpool are getting ready to wave goodbye to two other club legends in Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, the centre-back’s future is also up in the air beyond 2027.
Which category does Virgil van Dijk rank in the best centre-backs in football history? Is he even better than Maldini? 😱 Photo credit: Getty Images/Chris Brunskill/Fantasista Virgil van Dijk has transfer interestOnce this season comes to a close, Van Dijk will be in the final year of his Liverpool contract.Already 34, he will be 35 by the time 2026/27 gets underway and is most likely going to leave Anfield next year.However, Van Dijk already has transfer interest from Turkey going into the 2026 summer window, with Galatasaray thought to be keen on a move.Whether he leaves this year or in 12 months, replacing the Dutch international will be no easy task.Jeremy Jacquet is joining in the summer, and Liverpool have high hopes for Giovanni Leoni.But both are still very inexperienced, and it will likely be some time before they come close to reaching the level of Van Dijk.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox