Speaking ahead of the Liverpool Premier League opener against Bournemouth, Virgil van Dijk's coy comment has left fans wondering if he was referring to Alexander Isak
Virgil van Dijk fiddling with his hair during an interview
Virgil van Dijk's response has sent social media into a frenzy
(Image: Men In Blazers/YouTube)
Liverpool supporters are convinced that Virgil van Dijk deliberately bit his tongue to avoid naming Alexander Isak when asked who the toughest striker he faced last season was. The Liverpool captain spoke before their 4-2 season-opening win over Bournemouth on Friday, with part of the discussion concentrating on the Reds' revamped defence, which has already conceded four goals in two matches.
This campaign sees Jeremie Frimpong stepping into Trent Alexander-Arnold's shoes at right-back, while fellow summer signing Milos Kerkez is generally expected to start ahead of Andy Robertson on the left. The Reds have also signed centre back Giovanni Leoni, while a move for Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi could be on the cards too.
Van Dijk acknowledged that it will take time for the reorganised backline to gel, but emphasised that success will rely on Liverpool "defending as a unit" rather than depending solely on the back four.
The conversation then turned to forwards who could cause trouble this season, and Van Dijk was asked to name the hardest striker he faced last year. After a thoughtful pause accompanied by a wry smile, the Dutch defender gave a response that raised eyebrows.
"Wow, that's a very good question. I'll have to come back to you," he told Men in Blazers, before adding a playful question: "Who did you want me to say?"
That subtle reply quickly went viral, with many fans certain he was hinting at Newcastle striker Isak, who has been heavily linked with a summer move to Anfield. "We all know he wanted to say Isak... but didn't want to go there. Respect big man," commented one fan.
Alexander Isak and Virgil van Dijk compete for the ball
Isak and Van Dijk could soon be team-mates(Image: Getty Images)
Another tweeted: "Van Dijk thinking of Isak and not being sure whether he can say it haha." A third added: "He definitely wanted to name Isak there, but knew it would cause problems."
The Isak transfer saga has dominated the Premier League this summer, pitting Liverpool's ambitions against Newcastle's resolve. Anfield chiefs have long been admirers of the 25-year-old and are eager to lure him to Merseyside despite already landing striker Hugo Ekitike earlier in the window.
Liverpool's initial £110million offer for Isak was rejected by the Magpies, who value the Swede at £150m. Tensions peaked in late July when Isak began pushing for a move to Anfield, and by early August, he had stopped training with Newcastle's first team after missing the club's pre-season tour in Asia.
He views his time at Newcastle as finished and is expected to refuse playing for them again. It's also understood he'll remain on strike even if a transfer fails to materialise.
Alexander Isak
Isak has made it abundantly clear he'd like to join Liverpool
Despite Isak's stance, Newcastle are holding firm. They have explored various replacements throughout the summer - including Ekitike, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Yoane Wissa, and Benjamin Sesko - but none have worked out, leaving Eddie Howe short of attacking options.
With Isak unavailable, Anthony Gordon had to lead the line in Newcastle's opening-day draw against Aston Villa. The team dominated possession and fired 16 shots, yet only three were on target, highlighting the void left by their absent No. 9.
Howe has expressed a desire for a "quick resolution," while admitting much is beyond his control. Liverpool are still circling, Isak remains in self-imposed exile, and Newcastle insist on their valuation - a tense standoff that may ultimately hinge on who blinks first.