One unfortunate Chelsea player saw his relationship with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk get off to a poor start – all because of a two-word outburst when they first faced off
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Virgil van Dijk celebrates scoring for Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk was most likely not impressed with Levi Colwill when they first faced off
(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Levi Colwill managed to get one over on Virgil van Dijk after a two-year wait as Chelsea beat Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. The defeat may have smarted for Van Dijk after the Reds defender was left unimpressed by the Blues star in their first clash together.
Sunday's result saw Colwill finally get the better of Van Dijk almost two years after an uncomfortable encounter with the Reds skipper. The 22-year-old played the full match as Enzo Maresca's side secured three crucial points in their quest for Champions League qualification.
Premier League champion Van Dijk had a day he'd likely prefer to forget despite scoring a consolation goal. That's after the Liverpool defence conceded three at Stamford Bridge – including one own-goal after Van Dijk's clearance cannoned into the net off Jarell Quansah.
Colwill first tasted victory over Liverpool back in January 2023 while making his senior debut against the Merseysiders while on loan at Brighton. However, Sunday's result marked the first time he had come out on top in a match where Van Dijk was also playing.
The Southampton-born star would have been a marked man after a rocky start to their rivalry. And it all began when Colwill provoked his rival with a two-word jibe during his Chelsea debut in August 2023.
"I remember marking him in the box," he told TNT Sports (via football.london) last year. "He said something to me and I might have told him to 'shut up', accidentally.
"He looked at me like, 'Who is this little boy?' I thought, 'Ahh I've just disrespected him.' But that is what it is, my bad. It was [crazy]. I was just looking at him thinking I want to be like that or better when I'm older if I could, but he's a baller."
Levi Colwill celebrates after Chelsea's victory over Fulham
Colwill beat a Van Dijk team for the first time on Sunday
Chelsea and Liverpool played out a 1-1 draw that day at Stamford Bridge, with Axel Disasi earning a point for the Blues after Luis Diaz's opener. Colwill played the full match on that occasion, too, and remains unbeaten in three home games against the Reds.
It must be highlighted Liverpool travelled to the capital slightly light in their XI after capturing the Premier League crown with time to spare. Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endo, Kostas Tsimikas and Jarell Quansah each earned rare starts at Stamford Bridge.
Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez scored along with Quansah's own goal to seal a 3-1 home win. Chelsea are sat in fifth, but Nottingham Forest are still breathing down their neck and can go level on points with the Blues if they win their game in hand at Crystal Palace on Monday night.
While Trevoh Chalobah shone in Chelsea's defence, Colwill also impressed with a steadfast display as Liverpool dominated possession for long periods. He won every tackle he attempted, completed 89.8% of his passes, and made five clearances in a solid day's work.
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool and Levi Colwill of Chelsea appeal to referee Simon Hooper during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool
Van Dijk scored Liverpool's only goal at Stamford Bridge but came away with little else to show for his efforts
In an alternate universe, Colwill could have been lining up alongside Van Dijk at Liverpool this season. The Reds were reportedly keen on the versatile defender last year, but Chelsea managed to fend off any interest and retain their star.
The youngster is still striving to regain the form that made him a Premier League sensation during his loan spell at the Amex Stadium. Despite this, he has become a crucial part of Chelsea's defensive line, which has conceded just 41 league goals this season.
Although he may rue his initial encounter with Van Dijk, Sunday's result gives Colwill a bit more leverage in their rivalry. It also sets the scene for another fiery face-off next season, when Chelsea will aim to challenge Slot's team for the Premier League title.
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