Danjuma says it'll be special to face Virgil Van Dijk in Liverpool tie

By Jordan Harris

Arnaut Danjuma has told ESPN that it will be special to face Virgil van Dijk when Villarreal take on Liverpool in the Champions League, while he suggested that it does not get better than the Dutchman when it comes to defending.

The Reds face the tournament’s surprise package for a place in the final. The Yellow Submarine have seen off the likes of Juventus and Bayern Munich in the knockout stages.

And Danjuma has been outstanding along the way. The striker has scored goals in both of the previous rounds. In all competitions, he now has 16 goals in 33 appearances in all competitions this season.

Liverpool keeping Danjuma quiet is likely to go a long way to ensuring Jurgen Klopp’s men book their ticket to the final. And of course, it will likely be Van Dijk who is tasked with dealing with the 25-year-old.

The pair know each other well with Danjuma now involved with The Netherlands’ senior side. And ahead of the game, the forward insisted that he cannot wait to test himself against the Liverpool centre-back.

“I want to play against the best to prove myself and test myself against the best,” he told ESPN. “That’s why I play this game. Obviously playing against Virg will be special for me because he is my captain in the national team.

“Defensively, I don’t think it gets any better than him, but I want to rank myself against the best. I think I’ve shown so far in my career that I can cause some damage. I have to keep doing it and be consistent, so I’m looking forward to a game against someone of his profile.”

Danjuma set for Liverpool audition as striker lauds Virgil van Dijk

Danjuma’s performances in the next two games could have an influence on Liverpool’s plans for the summer, it seems. Reports have claimed that the Reds want the former Bournemouth star.

He has a £63 million release clause. So he could certainly fit into Liverpool’s budget if they decide that they are keen on a move in the coming months.

Liverpool obviously have an amazing amount of depth up front. So Danjuma will really need to stand out to prove a point to Klopp ahead of the summer.

Shining up against Van Dijk will certainly make a statement.