£77m Man City star confirms he wanted to be like one current Liverpool player when growing up

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Josko Gvardiol has been one of the Premier League’s best centre-backs over the last few years. Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty ImagesAnd now, he’s admitted that Van Dijk, who was once dubbed “special” by his teammates, was his idol when he was growing up.Virgil van Dijk was Josko Gvardiol’s idol when he was growing upVan Dijk has been one of Liverpool’s best players over the last few years.

And now, while speaking to Manchester City’s official X account, Gvardiol has admitted that Van Dijk is his idol by simply saying “Virgil van Dijk” when asked about who his idol was when growing up. Josko Gvardiol has always been fond of Virgil van DijkAlthough Liverpool fans may revel in the fact that one of the Reds’ players is the idol of a Manchester City player, the Croatian’s adoration for Van Dijk has been known for some time.

And, even though Gvardiol is supposed to be Van Dijk’s rival, the fact that he dubbed the Dutchman the best player in the world back in 2023 shows how long he’s admired him for. “As a kid, I admired Lionel Messi, but now I am increasingly watching the players in my position,” he said in quotes relayed by talkSPORT.“And today Virgil Van Dijk is the best.”It’s nice to know that the quality of Liverpool’s players are appreciated by players from opposing teams.