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Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk(Image: Getty Images)

Former Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke has explained why Virgil van Dijk is the toughest defender he's faced in his career.

Solanke spent 18 months at Anfield after signing from Chelsea in the summer of 2017, arriving when Jurgen Klopp was the club's manager.

Solanke eventually left Liverpool in January 2019 to complete a permanent move to Bournemouth worth up to £19million.



The striker ended his Reds career with one goal to his name across 27 appearances, which came against Brighton on the final day of the 2017/18 season.

It was last summer that Solanke made another move as he left Bournemouth to complete a £65million switch to Tottenham.

The striker has 11 goals to his name for Spurs this term, including one against Liverpool as Arne Slot's side ran out 6-3 winners in north London back in December.

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Van Dijk has come up against Solanke 10 times since the striker's Anfield exit more than six years ago, and that strike in December remains the only goal scored by the former Reds star.

Solanke has now opened up on why Van Dijk is the best defender he's faced in his career.

"I get asked this question quite a lot, to be fair, and I'd say Virgil [van Dijk] is probably the toughest opponent I've faced in my career," Solanke told Sky Sports' Saturday Social.

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"I think it's the fact he can do a bit of everything, he's big and powerful, reads the game well and quick as well.

He's the complete defender."

Solanke was also asked if he believes Van Dijk is the best centre-back in the world at this moment in time, and the former Liverpool striker replied: "Yes."

Van Dijk and Solanke could go head-to-head again this season when they meet in the Premier League next month.
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