BREAKING NEWS: I know how many times that I have faced Him and the number of times that He has disgraced me too, facing Him again on Sunday is going to cost us a lot”, Liverpool captain Van Dijk reveals the ONE Arsenal player that is a threat to them now – Not Eberechi Eze

As Liverpool prepare for a crunch Premier League showdown against Arsenal this coming Sunday, captain Virgil van Dijk has lifted the lid on the one Arsenal star who continues to trouble him whenever they meet. While many expected him to single out Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, or even new signing Eberechi Eze, Van Dijk’s admission came with a surprising twist—his main concern is none other than Arsenal’s relentless attacking threat who has embarrassed him in the past.

The Dutch defender, known for his composure and dominance in one-on-one duels, rarely acknowledges individual players as major threats. Yet in this case, Van Dijk openly admitted that the Arsenal attacker has repeatedly given him problems in past encounters, even going as far as to confess that facing him again could “cost Liverpool a lot” on Sunday. Those words highlight just how highly he rates the player’s influence and ability to change games.

Arsenal have built a fearsome frontline under Mikel Arteta, one that blends creativity, speed, and ruthlessness. While Saka and Martinelli often steal the headlines, this particular Arsenal star has proven to be a unique challenge for defenders of Van Dijk’s caliber. His direct dribbling, explosive pace, and willingness to take on the best center-backs in the league make him a nightmare opponent, even for a world-class defender.

Since joining Arsenal, the player in question has evolved into one of the Premier League’s most decisive forwards. Not only does he contribute goals and assists, but his overall impact stretches beyond statistics. He forces defenders into mistakes, drags them out of position, and creates space for teammates to exploit. It is these qualities that Van Dijk emphasized, noting that no amount of tactical preparation can fully neutralize such unpredictability.

The looming clash at Anfield is more than just another league fixture—it is a battle between two title contenders whose ambitions for the season rest on such high-profile encounters. For Liverpool, maintaining defensive discipline will be paramount, while Arsenal will look to capitalize on their attacking chemistry and exploit every gap that appears.

Van Dijk’s recognition of Arsenal’s threat also sheds light on the respect Arteta’s side is beginning to command. In past seasons, Liverpool often approached Arsenal with a sense of superiority, but the dynamic has changed. Arsenal’s new-look midfield and fearless frontline now stand toe-to-toe with the league’s best, making this encounter a genuine test for both teams.

For the Liverpool captain, this is personal as well as professional. He has faced the Arsenal danger man several times, and on more than one occasion, he has been outwitted in one-on-one situations. Such experiences are rare for Van Dijk, who is widely regarded as one of the toughest defenders in world football. His candid admission is a reminder that even the best can be unsettled by certain opponents.

Arteta, meanwhile, will be encouraged by Van Dijk’s comments. Knowing that Arsenal’s threat has rattled Liverpool’s leader could provide an extra psychological edge heading into the match. If the player in question can once again rise to the occasion, Arsenal might just find the breakthrough they need in what promises to be a tightly contested affair.

This upcoming showdown is not just about three points—it is about pride, momentum, and the opportunity to send a statement to the rest of the league. Both clubs are eyeing silverware this season, and a victory in such a high-profile game would be a huge step forward. For Van Dijk, however, the key question remains: can he finally get the better of his Arsenal tormentor, or will Sunday bring another difficult evening?

All eyes will be on Anfield when the whistle blows. Liverpool’s defense, marshalled by Van Dijk, will be tasked with shutting down Arsenal’s relentless attackers. Yet the Dutchman’s honesty about his struggles adds another layer of intrigue to this already fiery clash. For fans, neutrals, and pundits alike, the duel between Van Dijk and Arsenal’s biggest threat will be one of the defining battles of the weekend.