Virgil Van Dijk Reveals Why Ex Arsenal Striker Olivier Giroud Is the Toughest He’s Ever Faced

• Liverpool star defender Virgil Van Dijk has revealed that Olivier Giroud is the toughest striker he's ever faced
• Giroud played for Arsenal and Chelsea, scoring close to a century of goals for the Premier League clubs
• The Frenchman has also won the World Cup with France, earning over 100 caps with the national side

Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk has revealed that Olivier Giroud is the toughest striker he has ever faced in his career.

The former Arsenal and Chelsea enjoyed a successful spell in the Premier League, most notably with the Gunners, and enjoyed solid support even after joining their rivals Arsenal.

The Frenchman netted a respectable 90 goals in 255 Premier League appearances for Arsenal and Chelsea between 2012 and 2021, with most of those appearances coming from the bench, according to Transfermarkt.

The AC Milan striker has also enjoyed a stellar international career, playing over 100 matches for France and playing every minute of the 2018 World Cup, which they lifted.

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Van Dijk names toughest striker

According to Football London, Liverpool talisman Van Dijk said that Giroud always scores when he comes up against him.

“Olivier Giroud was the striker I’ve struggled against the most. I always felt like I had him, but somehow, he always managed to score against us. Whether it was for Arsenal, Chelsea or France, he always scored."

The Dutch centre-back added that he told the Frenchman about scoring every time he faces Van Dijk.

“I’ve said it to him as well, I think when we won the league when we won 5-3. We were 3-0 up or something and then he scored a scrappy goal. I said to him, ‘You’ve scored again?!’ I would say that he is the guy that scores against me. Just an annoying person!"

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The Liverpool star said that although he has faced world-class strikers, Giroud just found a way to score.

Listing the many fantastic strikers he has played against, including Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero, Van Dijk said Haaland was also difficult to face.

However, he still believes Giroud is a 'bogeyman' and described the French striker as annoying to deal with.

Liverpool identify Van Dijk replacement

Sports Brief earlier reported on Liverpool identifying Van Dijk's replacement amid Liverpool's struggles in the Premier League this season.

The Reds have pinpointed Torino defender Perr Schuurs as the perfect replacement for the towering defender.

The Dutch centre-back could be pursued by Liverpool as early as January.