‘Virgil van Dijk scares attackers!’ – William Saliba wowed by Liverpool defender’s ‘aura’ as Arsenal star feels he is developing similar fear factor

Arsenal defender Saliba has hailed the talents of Van Dijk at Liverpool, and claims that the Dutchman has an “aura” that he is trying to match at the Emirates. Indeed, the Frenchman has developed into one of Mikel Arteta’s most important players, playing every minute of their Premier League campaign as they finished second behind Manchester City.

Saliba has won 14 caps for France and is in the squad for Euro 2024. He says he is aiming to become more vocal on the pitch as he bids to increase his standing for both club and country. Indeed, he will come face to face with Van Dijk when France play Netherlands in Group D.

Saliba said to L’Equipe: “I’m not the guy who talks a lot, but I talk more and more. I’m making progress on this. In defense at Arsenal, I am one of the leaders. Van Dijk has aura, for example. He’s the boss, he orders everything. You feel that he scares the attackers. But I’m starting to feel the same way. I’m starting to see that the attackers feel fear. Sometimes when players are in your zone, they’re not having fun. And when there is a one-on-one and the player goes back, takes out the ball, flees the duel, that’s nice.”

Both Saliba and Van Dijk will play for their countries at Euro 2024. France and Netherlands will play each other on June 21. Their group is also comprised of Poland and Austria.