‘I wouldn’t want to face our strikers’

Liverpool’s Sadio Mane (extreme left) scores against Villarreal at Anfield in Liverpool on Wednesday. Pics/Getty Images

Considered one of the best defenders in the world, Virgil van Dijk underlined the quality of Liverpool's forward options by admitting he would not enjoy facing his teammates as an opponent.

Memorable for Mane

With the Reds' second goal in Wednesday's 2-0 win over Villarreal, Sadio Mane became the third player to net 20 times for the club this season, emulating Mohamed Salah - who teed up the strike for his fellow attacker - and Diogo Jota. That achievement followed on from Luis Diaz and Divock Origi combining to seal victory in the Merseyside derby last weekend, after another Salah assist, as the firepower at Jurgen Klopp's disposal keeps his side in contention for a quadruple.

Virgil Van Dijk

"They are so important for us at the moment. I don't want to be facing any of our strikers, to be fair," Van Dijk told Liverpoolfc.com after the Champions League semifinal first-leg success. "Diogo from the bench, Luis, Mo, Sadio, it's incredible, Divock the last game. We are in a good moment, everyone is pushing each other and we'll try to keep that going, and the amount of work they put in is incredible as well." Liverpool were patient and precise throughout the opening leg of their last-four clash with Spanish outfit Villarreal as they target a third trip to the European Cup final in five seasons.

After a goalless first half dictated by the home side, two goals in as many minutes unlocked the visitors, with Jordan Henderson's cross forcing an own goal by Pervis Estupinan and Mane swiftly tucking in a finish. They will meet again next Tuesday at Estadio de la Ceramica, where, insisted Van Dijk, the Reds will go on the front foot in their pursuit of a place in the May 28 showpiece.

‘It's going to be tough'

"We are not going there to defend and defend the lead," said the Netherlands international. "We know we have to be very mature there as well, we know it's going to be tough, probably a little hostile atmosphere, but it's something we should enjoy as well.

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