Virgil van Dijk has named his dream five-a-side team... and no current Liverpool forwards were included in a shock decision.
The Netherlands international, 30, was speaking to Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand ahead of Saturday's Champions League final. Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool take on Real Madrid in Paris, aiming to win a seventh European Cup and second in four seasons.
Speaking on behalf of BT Sport, Ferdinand asked Van Dijk: "You've got a five-a-side tournament - give me the best five-a-side team you could pick in world football right now." The defender picked Alisson, himself, Kevin De Bruyne, Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema.
"He's been on fire so he deserves to be in this [team]," said Van Dijk after including Benzema. The Dutchman was right to include the Real forward after he scored 27 La Liga goals this season, although he'll be hoping Benzema has an off day on Saturday evening.
Some Liverpool supporters will be perplexed to see Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane omitted from Van Dijk's dream team. The Reds pair have scored 54 goals in all competitions between them this season and are currently at the top of their respective games.
Van Dijk was also asked by Ferdinand who is toughest opponent was. He couldn't give a definitive answer but did praise the likes of Sergio Aguero, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Darwin Nunez - offering some priceless insight.
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"Aguero was obviously unbelievable," said Van Dijk. "Messi, arguably the best player in the history of football in my opinion. Mbappe is different, quick... Haaland and also Darwin. He's a bit similar - very direct, quick, tall, strong and it's quite difficult to play against him."
When asked what qualities a centre-back needs to deal with the game's finest strikers, Van Dijk added: "In modern-day football I think pace, comfortable on the ball, communication and - in England - heading [are all really important qualities]."
Van Dijk is aiming to pick up his second Champions League winners' medal on Saturday. He was part of the team that defeated Tottenham in the 2019 final and has also won the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup at Liverpool.
Many were concerned about Van Dijk's future after he suffered a horrific knee injury against Everton in October 2020, missing the rest of the 2020-21 campaign. Yet he's been a colossus figure at the back for Liverpool this season, playing 50 games in all competitions.
"I think the impact you have on the team is massive," Ferdinand told Van Dijk. "I think that your attributes would put you right in the top tier of any of those guys as well. In terms of natural physical attributes, [Jaap] Stam could be up there with you.
"Your passing range, you’re the full package. Whatever is in front of you, you make it look too easy and the game seems to come easy to you."
