Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has told The Overlap that former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud is one of the best he’s ever faced.
Giroud left Arsenal to join their London rivals Chelsea back in January 2018 for a fee worth £18 million (Evening Standard).
The Frenchman racked up a total of 253 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 105 goals and providing 41 assists.
The 36-year-old went on to win the Champions League with the Blues and is now playing his football in Milan.
Now, Van Dijk has surprisingly named him as the best striker he’s ever faced.
Van Dijk on Giroud
Speaking to Gary Neville on The Overlap, the Liverpool star was asked about the most difficult striker he’s faced in his entire career.
“Funny enough, Giroud. I feel like I got him but in some way he always managed to score,” Van Dijk said.
“Whether it was with Arsenal, Chelsea or France. I said it to him when we won the league and we won 5-2, we were 3-0 up and he scored a scrappy goal. And I said you scored again!
“I would say that he is the guy that scores against me and just the annoying person. I’m going for Giroud because he’s a bogeyman – annoying!”
Giroud has gone on to enjoy a brilliant career and even lifted the World Cup with France back in 2018.
The Frenchman also lifted three FA Cups during his time with Arsenal. But it is surprising to hear Van Dijk label him as his most difficult opponent.
The Liverpool star has faced the likes of Erling Haaland, Sergio Aguero and Kylian Mbappe, just to name a few.
Giroud is still going strong in Milan and was part of the Rossoneri side that won the Scudetto last season.
But Gunners fans will probably be scratching their heads when they hear Van Dijk’s comments, despite the fact Giroud performed well during his time in north London.
