Virgil van Dijk makes feelings clear on Arsenal rival as title battle prepares to reignite

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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has lavished praise on Arsenal rival Jurrien Timber after the pair took the Netherlands a step closer toward next year’s World Cup. Van Dijk was given the rare opportunity to partner Timber at center-back - the Arsenal star is generally used as a right-back for his club, with Gabriel and William Saliba having formed a solid pairing.

The Liverpool captain, though, is in no doubt about Timber’s ability in the role, having clearly enjoyed playing alongside him on Sunday. “A player who is in top form,” Van Dijk told NOS about Timber after the win over Finland.

Jurrien Timber, Bart Verbruggen and Virgil van Dijk (Image: Getty Images) “You have to push each other and get the best out of each other. But it’s pure enjoyment.” Having spent the past week as teammates, Van Dijk and Timber will return to being rivals now as they report back to their respective clubs.