'When we played against Everton' - Virgil van Dijk on Premier League opposition avoiding him

Taking on Virgil van Dijk is one of the hardest tasks in football for a striker and that is why many often target the centre back partner of the captain of Holland.

The Liverpool defender is well aware of this show of 'respect' and noticed recently that he didn't have many challenges to make in the Reds' Merseyside derby win over Everton last weekend. Goals from Andy Robertson and Divock Origi handed Liverpool a 2-0 win at Anfield.

Blood Red: Match In Pictures | Newcastle 0-1 Liverpool

Blood Red: "Won't Hold Him Back" Jurgen Klopp On Pep Lijnders Ambition As A Coach

Blood Red: "The Plan Changed" | Jurgen Klopp on Contract Turnaround

Blood Red: Dua Lipa gets the Liverpool end in Kiev BOUNCING

Blood Red: Joel Matip Starts! | Team Selector | Newcastle vs Liverpool

Blood Red: "It's Up To The Boys" | Jurgen Klopp On What Contract Extension May Mean For Mane And Salah

Blood Red: Jurgen Klopp hits out at TV broadcasters regarding potential quadruple chances

Liverpool's 1-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday lunchtime was the Reds' 20th clean sheet of the season and the Dutch defender has been central to that. Since returning from his ACL injury at the start of pre-season, Van Dijk is now at his previous best level.

In an interview with Rio Ferdinand for BT Sport, Van Dijk revealed he is happy to not be massively involved as long as Liverpool secure the three points.

"Do you sense that there is a bit of respect or guys see you and think this isn't the right guy to go against?" Ferdinand asked.

"Yes, for example, we played against Everton at the weekend and I felt after the game that I didn't have many challenges and I looked at Joel Matip on the right and he was targeted," Van Dijk answered. "He was amazing that game, by the