Olivier Giroud names Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk as the ‘toughest defender’ he’s ever faced | OneFootball

Former France international striker Olivier Giroud (38) has hit the ground running since his summer transfer to Lille OSC. The 38-year-old centre-forward has logged two goals in as many Ligue 1 games with Bruno Genesio’s Les Dogues. Speaking to Le Média Carré, Giroud has responded to the Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk (34) calling him the most difficult player to defend against.

The two-time Premier League-winning centre-back has also left a lasting impression on Giroud as the pair clashed in England, as well as in international games between France and the Netherlands. “It’s my turn to say it: He’s the toughest defender I’ve played against“, said the former Arsenal and Chelsea centre-forward. “He’s complete, rough, and he hits you in the back, but always respectfully!“

Giroud recalled some of the good duels he’s had with Virgil van Dijk. “I don’t want to brag, but I often managed to escape his marking, get past him, or win a duel.“

GFFN | Bastien Cheval