Virgil van Dijk had his hands full marking Lionel Messi in Liverpool’s Champions League semi-final first leg defeat at Barcelona .
The Dutch defender has been rock solid this season but could not prevent Messi tapping in a rather fortunate goal before bending in a stunning free-kick to make it 3-0.
Van Dijk has come in for some criticism for his performance with the Reds left facing a huge task to try and overcome the deficit in the second leg at Anfield next Tuesday.
The newly crowned PFA Player of the Year has now admitted there is nothing that he could do to stop in-form Messi at the Nou Camp as he revealed his relief he does not have to face the Argentinian on a regular basis.
Liverpool’s huge defeat by Barcelona”When you come up against Messi and he produces his best form you can’t do anything,” Van Dijk told reporters .
“I’m grateful that I’m not in Spain and I don’t have to face him every season.
“He scored two goals and I leave very disappointed.”
Despite his disappointment, Van Dijk issued a defiant message ahead of the second leg.
“He won the battle but not the war,” he added.
Van Dijk was criticised by Arsene Wenger for his inability to track Luis Suarez’ run as he fired in the opening goal against his former club.
“It is very interesting because Virgil van Dijk [usually] covers, but he should go with Suarez to cover that goal,” Wenger said.
“Especially from a centre-back with that quality… he lets him go. At the start his position is not bad, but he refuses to respond.
“It’s a great goal because the cross is fantastic. For a goalscorer it is ideal. It is marvelous football.”