Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk has mentioned Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus as one of the toughest opponents he has ever faced.
The Netherlands international is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world, and he is one of the reasons the Reds are currently challenging the Gunners and co for the Premier League title this season.
Despite his ability at the back, Van Dijk finds some attackers tough to handle, and while he claims Olivier Giroud is the toughest opponent that he has faced, he mentions Jesus as one of those who has given him a tough time.
“I can’t forget Sergio Aguero, who was very strong, Erling Haaland as well obviously, and Gabriel Jesus too,” Van Dijk told France Football.
“They all make your matches very difficult.”
Jesus is not the most prolific number 9 in the land, but the Arsenal star is a menace to defenders due to his style of play.
The Brazil international is an excellent dribbler, with his skills and bag of tracks making him impossible for most defenders to contain.
Jesus also marks and presses well despite being a striker, so defenders are never at ease with playing out from the back with him on the pitch.
Van Dijk has faced the 26-year-old several times on the pitch, and the Dutchman knows how tough it is coming up against the Gunners forward.
Jesus is a nightmare for any defence, but he needs to add more goals to his name to become a complete player.
He has notched just three goals in 15 Premier League games this term, which is simply not good enough.
Arsenal are desperate to go one better this term after finishing second behind Manchester City in the league race last season, and they need a number 9 capable of scoring regularly.
His finishing needs to improve significantly having missed five big chances this term and 16 last term, and manager Mikel Arteta will hope to get the best out of Jesus as he has the potential to become a better player.
