VIRGIL VAN DIJK has been given the tough task of selecting his five-a-side Premier League dream team.
And while the Anfield skipper chose a mix of stars, including THREE from Manchester City, there were NO players from rivals Manchester United and Chelsea
The question from Premier League Productions came with one condition – the Dutchman couldn’t choose any Liverpool teammates.
Man City keeper Ederson and his colleagues Kevin De Bruyne and Aymeric Laporte were among the big hitters named by Van Dijk.
De Bruyne, in particular, had been in prolific form for City prior to the suspension of all football matches in March.
The Belgium international, who’s valued at around £141million, is currently top of the Premier League assist table with 16 so far this season.
Commenting on De Bruyne’s form Van Dijk said: “I think Kevin is a good guy first of all but he’s an outstanding player.
“You see things differently and yeah, respect only. He’s a fantastic player.”
Arsenal frontman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Tottenham playmaker Son Heung-min were the other stars named in Van Dijk’s team.
Here is what he had to say about each of his five-a-side picks.
Aubameyang
“Based on what he has done throughout the season.
“Together Lacazette and Aubameyang are a fantastic striking duo.
“I could also put Aguero in but I think he’s a good striker and I think the numbers have showed that as well since he arrived.”
Son Heung-min
“He’s quick, he’s strong, he goes out there to make life hell on the pitch for a defender.
“And his finishing – right foot, left foot – is just outstanding so I think I would pick him.”
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is Van Dijk’s pick in attackCredit: AFP or licensors
Spurs star Son Heung-min makes the cutCredit: EPA
Man City keeper Ederson is picked by the Liverpool starCredit: EPA
Ederson
“I think he is an outstanding goalkeeper.
“I think this season there have been more better goalkeepers than we have seen maybe in the past, but I think Ederson is the best of the rest – I think Alisson is still No1, that’s my feeling.”
De Bruyne
“It looks like it’s only City players! But Kevin De Bruyne, you don’t need to say too much about him.
“I think Kevin is a good guy first of all but he’s an outstanding player. You see things differently and yeah, respect only. He’s a fantastic player.”
Kevin De Bruyne gets the nod in midfieldCredit: Reuters
Aymeric Laporte is the surprise pick in defenceCredit: EPA
Laporte
“He’s been showing how important he is for their team and I think he’s an outstanding defender.
“I think he’s a very, very, very good defender, so that’s why I pick him.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
