Virgil van Dijk knows all about what it takes to play against Manchester City.
In fact, the Liverpool defender has only faced off against Arsenal (20) on more occasions than City (19). Out of those 19 games, the centre-back has won seven, drawn six and lost six.
The defender also knows their players too as Van Dijk named Nathan Ake as one of his best friends in football recently.
With the 33-year-old now in his tenth Premier League season since arriving in England back in 2015, he has shared some details on how he got the better of one particular figure from Pep Guardiola’s side in his previous meeting with the Blues.
Virgil van Dijk shares how he outsmarted Phil Foden in Man City vs Liverpool
Appearing in a recent video uploaded on the official Premier League YouTube channel, Van Dijk was reflecting on some of his best defensive moments for Liverpool.
One of those moments came during City’s 1-1 draw at Anfield last season, specifically when the Dutchman dispossessed Phil Foden in the Liverpool penalty box just before the City star was about to have a shot at goal.
Van Dijk then went on to give this assessment of that particular incident and how he was able to get the better of Foden.
He said: “The reading of the game, you try to think what could be in their heads.
“In this situation as well, Foden is an unbelievable player. He’s left-footed, he takes a touch towards the goal and that gives me the chance to get back.
“If you give him a little bit more space he could have a shot on target but his touch was towards me so I could reach in and get the ball.”
What did Van Dijk say after last season’s draw against Man City?
Following the 1-1 draw back in March, which ended up being the final time the Blues took on the Merseyside club with the Reds having Jurgen Klopp in charge, Van Dijk admitted how difficult it has been for Liverpool to play City.
He said: “Manchester City has been very successful with the titles they have won and every game we have played against each other have been very intense.
“Every game is so difficult, they have quality all over the pitch and that is why they won the Treble last year. I respect that but the aim for us today was to win the game.
“To come away with a point is not a bad situation and we have to focus on what’s next. We just have to enjoy the ride.”
Even though the defender has shared how he managed to get the better of Foden in that particular instance due to how he’s capable of reading the game, it’s clear that he recognises how good of a player the Englishman is and how much of a top side City are and have been for such a long time.
