FIFA World Cup: It’s not me towards him, says Virgil van Dijk on Lionel Messi menace for Netherlands

FIFA World Cup 2022: Virgil van Dijk, the chief of the Dutch backline, make clear how troublesome it’s to comprise Lionel Messi. Netherlnds will face a giant take a look at after they tackle Argentina within the quarter-final on Friday on the Lusail Stadium.

New Delhi,UPDATED: Dec 6, 2022 17:40 IST

Lionel Messi has scored 3 targets in FIFA World Cup 2022 thus far (AP Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: Netherlands and Liverpool center-back Virgil van Dijk mentioned the Dutch are cautious of Lionel Messi’s menace however added that Argentina have a couple of man who could cause hassle to them of their quarter-final match at FIFA World Cup 2022.

Van Dijk, chatting with the press forward of their quarter-final on the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, mentioned it is an honour to play towards Messi and that he’s trying ahead to the conflict in what guarantees to be a blockbuster last-eight conflict on Friday, December 9 (Saturday as per IST).

FIFA World Cup 2022: Full Coverage

Van Dijk was not a part of the Netherlands facet that efficiently stored Messi quiet of their 2018 World Cup semi-final. Louis van Gaal, who coached the Dutch facet in Brazil, had assigned a center-back to deal with Messi, who was extra a playmaker 8 years in the past for Argentina. Daley Blind, who was enjoying a defensive midfielder position, additionally was concerned in chopping the availability to the Argentina famous person.

Despite holding Messi quiet, the Netherlands weren’t capable of go previous the semi-final hurdle as they misplaced to Argentina on penalties.

On Friday, Messi might be eager on persevering with his good run in Qatar and the gorgeous purpose towards Australia will solely assist his confidence. Messi is one shy of equalling Diego Maradona’s Argentina file for many targets in World Cups as he at the moment has 9, 3 of which have come within the 2022 version.

“It is an honour to play against him,” mentioned Van Dijk.

“It is not me against him, or the Netherlands against him, but the Netherlands against Argentina. No one can do it on his own, we will have to come up with a good plan.”

SHARP DEFENSIVE ORGANISATION

Van Dijk make clear the issue of containing a person like Messi, who has taken up the position of a wandering attacker for Argentina in Qatar.

Notably, the Dutch star had come up towards Messi within the 2019 Champions League semi-final through which the then Barcelona star scored two targets of their 3-0 win over Liverpool. The Anfield facet, nevertheless, made it to the ultimate and finally gained the title after scoring 4 towards Barcelona within the return leg a house.

The troublesome factor about him is after we are attacking, he’s chilling someplace in a nook or one thing,” Van Dijk recalled.

“You should be so very sharp when it comes to defensive organisation. They at all times regarded for him to attempt to make it troublesome for us on the counter.”

Netherlands had been spectacular of their 3-1 win over the USA within the Round of 16 match however it stays to be seen how the van Dijk-led backline will fare after they face the massive take a look at towards Messi’s Argentina within the quarter-final.

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Dec 6, 2022