Brighton & Hove Albion striker Glenn Murray says that Liverpool‘s Virgil van Dijk has been his toughest Premier League opponent.
Murray ended West ham United’s revival on Friday night with a late winner in the only goal of his side’s 1-0 victory at the Amex Stadium.
The striker’s winner was his fifth of the season over eight appearances and ended the Seagulls’ five-game winless run in the Premier League.
The veteran forward also scored the opening goal in their last win against chaotic Manchester United, but when they travelled to Anfield a week later they only registered two shots on target and were dominated in every part of the pitch.
Following the clash, Murray has cited the Reds’ marquee centre-back Van Dijk as his toughest opponent in an interview with Robbie Savage on BT Sport.
“For me, there is one man that stands out: Virgil van Dijk.” the 35-year-old told Savage.
“To begin with, he is man mountain. He reads the game well and then he organises the defence to be solid as well. For me, he’s the standout central defender in the Prem.”
However, Murray is not the first forward to bemoan the Dutchman’s defensive capabilities.
His comments come soon after Watford captain Troy Deeney admitted he hates playing against the Liverpool centre-back because of his physicality, as well as being envious of his hair.
Seven Things I Hate About You.
Starring Troy Deeney and Virgil van Dijk.
pic.twitter.com/RaGVNgEnvG
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) September 26, 2018
Van Dijk arrived in Liverpool back in January for £75m at a time when manager Jurgen Klopp was facing sustained criticism over Liverpool’s defensive frailties.
The Netherlands’ captain has reinforced Liverpool’s defence alongside Dejan Lovren, initially, and now young English centre-back Joe Gomez. Klopp’s current preferred pair have helped the Reds concede just three goals in their opening seven games in the Premier League ahead of their top-of-the-table clash with Manchester City.
Brighton’s face a top-six-free run of fixtures over October and November.
In their next seven games they face Wolves, Everton, Cardiff, Leicester, Huddersfield, Crystal Palace and Burnley before hosting Chelsea in December.
The post Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk revealed as Glen Murray’s toughest Premier League opponent appeared first on Squawka News.
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