“He’s the only Arsenal player that i fear, i just hope Mikel Arteta will bench him against us”- Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk confessed that he’s scared of 24-year-old Arsenal star after watching him against Forest

Virgil van Dijk said he has “a lot of respect” for Arsenal but wants Liverpool to “beat them” when they meet on Sunday (February 4).

The Reds and Gunners have become the biggest rivals for the Premier League title as the season passes the halfway point. Liverpool currently lead the table with 51 points from 22 games after a 4-1 win against Chelsea on January 31st.

Van Dijk said via the club’s official website ahead of the exciting game on Merseyside: “At the moment Liverpool are only one point behind:

“For sure [it’s an important game on Saturday]. It’s a very difficult game, Arsenal are in very good shape. It’s obviously going to be a big game and I’m definitely looking forward to it. “They are very good, they are a very good team in every way.”

The Liverpool captain added:

“I think they are very good and we have to be very good this weekend as well if we want to win. But I like to look at my team and I like to see what we can do to win and we can do a lot as well and make it very difficult for them. I have a lot of respect for them. But I want to win and we will do everything we can to do that.”

Liverpool’s defensive stalwart Virgil van Dijk admitted feeling a sense of trepidation ahead of facing Arsenal’s rising star, Declan Rice, at Emirates tomorrow. Recognizing Rice’s formidable skills and tenacity, Van Dijk highlighted the challenge that awaits him in the upcoming clash, adding an unexpected twist to the anticipated matchup.