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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Mark Wakefield

'He said in an interview' - Virgil van Dijk aims cheeky dig at Ajax star after Liverpool comments

Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk has aimed a tongue in cheek dig at Ajax striker Brian Brobbey after their Champions League clash.

The Reds beat the Eredivisie giant 3-0 in their Group A clash at the Johan Cruyff ArenA, thanks to goals from Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott. The result means Liverpool have reached the last-16 of the competition with a match to spare.

Jurgen Klopp’s side will now face Napoli in their final Group A fixture at Anfield next Tuesday. Liverpool will need to win by a four-goal scoreline in order to finish top spot to overcome the 4-1 defeat they were handed in Naples in September.

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Van Dijk was tasked with dealing with fellow Dutchman Brobbey during the match in Amsterdam. The Liverpool defender, alongside Joe Gomez, helped keep the Ajax striker fairly quiet throughout the contest, before he was subbed in the second half.

Speaking after the match, Van Dijk was asked for his opinion on Brobbey’s talents, including the striker’s chances of featuring in the Netherlands squad for the World Cup. The Liverpool defender went on to aim a playful dig at his compatriot about some pre-match comments.

“I think he's a great boy,” Van Dijk is quoted telling Dutch news outlet RTL.

“He is a great talent and basically has everything. He is fast, strong and can finish well.

“He had said in an interview that he would score against us, but luckily we were able to prevent that," Van Dijk added, with a smile.

The Dutchman concluded by saying: “He can be a very good weapon [for the World Cup], but it's up to the national coach.”

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