Struijk names Liverpool star van Dijk as dream centre-back partner

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Pascal Struijk has named Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk as the centre-back the Leeds United starlet would love to play alongside, in a Q&A on Twitter.

Struijk is one of the most exciting talents in the Premier League when it comes to defenders. He has been a revelation for the Whites, even if it has been a more difficult campaign at Elland Road.

Remarkably, Struijk did not make his first start for Leeds as a centre-back until the opening day of the 2020/21 season as the Whites made their return to the top-flight.

On that occasion, it was the champions Liverpool who looked to bring Marcelo Bielsa’s men back down to earth. And up against Struijk on that occasion was van Dijk.

The Dutchman actually got on the scoresheet as the two sides played out a seven-goal thriller at Anfield. Van Dijk managed to get away from Robin Koch and head past Illan Meslier.

Struijk is eligible to play for The Netherlands. So it is probably not a huge surprise that he picked out the Liverpool man as the player he would love to play alongside one day.

Struijk stands great chance of playing alongside van Dijk one day

Struijk is one of a number of talented young players making an impact at Leeds. His form has not been as impressive more recently. But he certainly looks to have a brilliant future ahead.

Van Dijk only arrived in the Premier League when he was 24 years of age. Struijk meanwhile, does not turn 23 until the summer. And he has already brought up a half-century of top-flight appearances in England.

Of course, that is not to say that Struijk will reach van Dijk’s level. The ‘outrageous‘ Liverpool star is arguably the best centre-back in the world.

But he can surely set his sights on playing alongside him at international level. And Struijk definitely has the potential to be playing at English football’s top table for many years to come.