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Fans are convinced Virgil van Dijk deliberately held back from naming Alexander Isak when questioned about the toughest striker he went up against last season.

Speaking ahead of Liverpool's 4-2 triumph over Bournemouth on Friday, the captain also discussed the Reds' reshaped defense, which shipped four goals across their opening two matches.

This season, Jeremie Frimpong has taken over Trent Alexander-Arnold's role at right back, while new arrival Milos Kerkez has all but claimed Andy Robertson's spot on the left.



Isak and Van Dijk could soon be team-mates.

His coy answer immediately sparked social media chatter, with fans convinced he was hinting at Newcastle forward Isak, who has been heavily linked to a move to Anfield this summer.

Respect big man," noted one user.

Another post read: "Van Dijk thinking of Isak and not being sure whether he can say it haha." A third chimed in: "He definitely wanted to name Isak there, but knew it would cause problems."

The summer's most high-profile Premier League saga has been the tug-of-war between Liverpool and Newcastle over Isak.

Liverpool is pushing hard while Newcastle is refusing to compromise - with a nail-biting end to the window on the cards.

Anfield officials have long admired Isak and are still eager to sign him despite already shelling out $93 million (£69M) on striker Hugo Ekitike.

Despite this, Newcastle has stayed firm, though has sought alternatives all summer - including Ekitike, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Yoane Wissa, and Benjamin Sesko - with no success, leaving Eddie Howe short in attack.

With Isak sidelined, Anthony Gordon slotted in as a makeshift No
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