BREAKING NEWS: “If Saliba focuses on Dembele and Barcola, then I’m afraid Arsenal will not make it to the final. Their main threat is this particular player, and Saliba needs to focus more on him because that was the same mistake I made that got us eliminated—and I don’t want such to happen to Arsenal anymore,” Liverpool captain Van Dijk named the only threat in PSG forward that Arsenal defenders need to put an eye on

As Arsenal prepare for one of their most significant Champions League matches in recent years, a surprising voice has emerged with a strong warning—Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk. The experienced Dutch defender, known for his calm yet commanding presence at the back, has offered William Saliba and Arsenal’s defense a crucial piece of advice that might prove decisive in their semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain.

Van Dijk didn’t mince words. Speaking from a place of painful experience, he highlighted a specific player in the PSG frontline who he believes could shatter Arsenal’s dreams of reaching the final. While most fans and pundits have turned their attention to Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola, Van Dijk urged the Gunners to shift their focus to a far more dangerous opponent—PSG’s Georgian sensation, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

“If Saliba focuses on Dembele and Barcola, then I’m afraid Arsenal will not make it to the final,” Van Dijk said. “Their main threat is Kvaratskhelia. He is unpredictable, explosive, and incredibly intelligent in the final third. That was the same mistake we made—we were too caught up with the others and forgot the real danger.”

Liverpool faced PSG earlier in the competition and were knocked out, with Kvaratskhelia playing a major role in their elimination. Van Dijk admitted that underestimating the Georgian forward’s ability was one of the key reasons behind their downfall. Now, he hopes Arsenal won’t walk into the same trap.

Kvaratskhelia has rapidly become one of the most feared forwards in Europe. His dribbling, spatial awareness, and decision-making have made him a nightmare for defenders. Time and again, he’s proven capable of unlocking even the most organized defenses with a single moment of brilliance.

“Watching him play, you can see why he’s taken Europe by storm,” Van Dijk noted. “He’s fast, he’s fearless, and he knows exactly when to make that killer run. If Saliba loses him even for a second, it could mean game over.”

Saliba, meanwhile, has been a revelation for Arsenal this season. Strong in the air, composed on the ball, and disciplined in one-on-one situations, he’s played a massive role in helping the Gunners maintain one of the tightest defenses in the Premier League. However, facing a player like Kvaratskhelia presents a different challenge altogether.

Van Dijk emphasized the importance of not just marking him physically, but mentally. “It’s not enough to stick close to him,” he said. “You have to anticipate what he’ll do next. He might feint, he might drift to the wing, or cut inside. And just when you think you’ve got him figured out, he’ll change direction or thread a pass no one saw coming.”

The Dutchman also applauded Mikel Arteta’s management of Saliba and his defensive unit but warned that tactical discipline will be vital. “This is where games are won or lost—not in the headlines, not in attack, but in those small moments when defenders either stay switched on or switch off.”

Van Dijk’s candid admission also underscores a level of humility rare in modern football. By admitting his mistake in Liverpool’s exit, he’s not only providing tactical insight but showing genuine respect for both Saliba and Arsenal’s journey in the competition.

This kind of endorsement from one of the world’s most respected defenders is high praise—and a timely warning. Arsenal fans are already buzzing with excitement over the club’s progress in Europe, but this PSG side, led by a lethal attacker like Kvaratskhelia, demands complete focus.

Van Dijk’s comments may well become a turning point in Arsenal’s preparation. If Saliba and his teammates can heed his advice and adapt their defensive strategy accordingly, the Gunners might just edge their way to the Champions League final—a stage they haven’t reached in nearly two decades.

But if they repeat Liverpool’s mistake and underestimate the Georgian threat, all their progress could come crashing down. The Champions League is brutal, and in these tight semi-finals, even one defensive lapse can end a campaign.

Kvaratskhelia, for his part, will be licking his lips at the prospect of testing Arsenal’s backline. A player who thrives on the biggest stage, he’s aware that defenders often underestimate his influence when surrounded by high-profile teammates like Dembele and Barcola.

As the semi-final date inches closer, all eyes will be on this critical battle: Saliba vs. Kvaratskhelia. Can the young Frenchman shut down Europe’s most underrated star? Or will Van Dijk’s warning come back to haunt the Gunners?

One thing is certain—this matchup will be a test not just of skill, but of focus, leadership, and mental strength. The winner might just decide who walks into Wembley’s final with a chance to lift Europe’s most prestigious trophy.