Virgil van Dijk has played against Kyle Walker on numerous occasions as the pair have been at Liverpool and Manchester City since 2018 and 2017 respeectively.
With Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp’s sides going head-to-head for the league title for a year, both defenders played a key role in their respective teams’ wins during the much-awaited fixture.
This season, Van Dijk and his Arne Slot’s side managed to vanquish Manchester City 2-0 at Anfield, with the English right-back captaining the visitors.
Kyle Walker would have been smiling at the end of last season as he donned the armband for City as they managed to beat both Liverpool and Arsenal to the title.
Still playing at Manchester City, the 34-year-old would still view the Reds as sporting rivals due to their heated competition over the years.
However, by the time Walker winds up his career, it is likely that he will have immense respect for Van Dijk and all the great Liverpool sides that competed with his City team.
Virgil van Dijk of the Netherlands reacts after a missed chance as Kyle Walker of England looks on during the UEFA EURO 2024 semi-final match betwe...
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Virgil van Dijk uses the word ‘fast’ to sum Kyle Walker up
The speedster would need no reminding of how tremendous a player the Dutch skipper has been for several years and vice-versa.
The 34-year-old has witnessed the former Celtic centre-back tame a number of City attackers in the past and the same can be said about how the Liverpool defender perhaps views the former.
While speaking to GOAL, Van Dijk was asked to use one word to describe Walker and naturally, he replied: “Fast.”
The six-time Premier League winner has always been renowned for his incredible pace.
Another Liverpool stalwart in Cody Gakpo highlighted Walker as the fastest player he has ever played against as well.
Jack Grealish pinpointed Walker’s pace as a key factor behind why he is such a challenge to go toe-to-toe with.
Bernardo Silva hailed Walker as the quickest player at Manchester City as well.
Kevin De Bruyne revealed who is faster: Walker or Jeremy Doku
In September, Kevin De Bruyne told Jeremy Doku that Walker is easily faster than him.
De Bruyne said: “No, impossible, it’s Kyle [Walker].”
“Kyle is quicker, let’s be honest.”
“It’s not even a debate.”
However, in recent weeks, it has seemed crystal-clear that Walker is no longer as quick as he used to be.
Gary Neville claimed Walker is “struggling” after Timo Werner beat him for pace before assisting Brennan Johnson’s goal in Tottenham Hotspur’s 4-0 thrashing of Manchester City.
Walker addressed Adama Traore outpacing him during City’s 3-2 win against Fulham by admitting that the Spaniard is “up there” with him in terms of his speed; however, the result of the footrace was another example that the veteran is no longer as rapid as he once was.
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