Ivan Toney has described Virgil van Djik as being "too nice" after the now-England forward named his ultimate Premier League five-a-side team.
The 26-year-old has been named in Gareth Southgate's Three Lions squad for the first time ahead of two Nations League matches against Italy and Germany later this month. Toney has scored five goals and chipped in with two assists in six top-flight matches for Brentford this season - the second most combined behind Erling Haaland.
Southgate has also recalled Eric Dier to the England squad after impressing for Tottenham, while Jarrod Bowen, Mason Mount and Jack Grealish keep their place in the team despite all failing to find the net in the league this term. But Toney is one of three strikers in the squad alongside Harry Kane and Tammy Abraham - with the Brentford man keen to stake his place for his World Cup in November.
In the meantime, the former Newcastle forward has selected his ultimate Premier League five-a-side team and started with picking Manchester City stopper Ederson in goal. Toney claimed that the Brazilian can "kick the ball further than anyone", while Ederson has also won the Golden Glove in three of the last four seasons.
Moving into defence and Toney had no doubts who to pick in this position, with Liverpool centre-back Van Djik getting the nod. However, Toney didn’t agree with the idea of "fearing" Van Dijk, saying there are defenders who look – and are – scarier than the Netherlands international. "I’ll get Van Dijk in there, definitely," he told InchByInch.
When asked about whether he fears the 31-year-old, Toney replied: "Nah, I don't think… he's too nice. There's scarier defenders out there, they look scarier as well. He doesn't look scary, he's too nice!"
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There is one of Toney's Brentford teammates in the side, with Frank Onyeka making it in despite not starting a Premier League game all season. The 24-year-old arrived in west London for a big-money fee from Midtjylland but he has failed to impress so far, although Toney must rate him very highly given his selection.
Partnering alongside Onyeka in his midfield is Man City playmaker Kevin de Bruyne, with the Belgian starting the current campaign as he left off. He has notched one goal and six assists in eight games so far this season, following on from his record-breaking 2021/22, where he grabbed 33 goal contributions in all competitions.
In attack, Toney has chosen Argentina hero Sergio Aguero to lead the line. The 34-year-old scored 184 Premier League goals during his 10-year stay at Man City and was renowned as one of the best finishers around before hanging up his boots in 2021 due to a heart condition.
