Virgil van Dijk Reveals Two Celtic Players He’d Love to Play Against
Virgil van Dijk, the former Celtic player now making waves as one of the Premier League’s finest defenders with Liverpool, has expressed his admiration for two current Celtic stars he would love to face in the near future. In a recent interview, Van Dijk singled out Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda, two of Celtic’s standout players, citing their blistering pace and ability to penetrate opposition defenses as key reasons why he would relish the opportunity to test himself against them.
Van Dijk, who spent a key part of his early career at Celtic Park, is no stranger to the speed and intensity of the Scottish Premiership. However, in his reflection on the rapid evolution of the game, he highlighted how players like Hatate and Maeda have brought an added dimension to the Celtic attack. “They play super fast, and they’re not afraid to break through the defense with pace and precision,” said Van Dijk.
Reo Hatate: The Midfield Maestro
Reo Hatate, the Japanese midfielder, has been a revelation for Celtic since his arrival in 2022. Known for his energy, vision, and creativity, Hatate’s style of play is a nightmare for defenders. He is particularly effective at making those late, penetrating runs into the opposition’s box, where he can disrupt defensive lines with clever movement and precise passing.
For Van Dijk, a player renowned for his composure and aerial dominance, facing someone as agile and sharp as Hatate would be an intriguing challenge. The Celtic man’s combination of speed and technical skill gives him the ability to break down defenses in the blink of an eye, something that would certainly keep any defender on their toes.
Daizen Maeda: The Speedster
Daizen Maeda, Celtic’s Japanese forward, is another player who has caught Van Dijk’s attention. Maeda’s blistering pace is his defining feature, and he has become known for his relentless pressing and tireless runs into the opposition’s defensive third. His ability to close down defenders quickly and his sharp acceleration make him a constant threat in behind the defense, creating problems for even the most experienced center-backs.
Van Dijk, who is known for his commanding presence and ability to read the game, would be keen to test his defensive instincts against Maeda’s explosive speed. The battle between Van Dijk’s composed defending and Maeda’s raw pace would undoubtedly be a fascinating contest, with both players possessing qualities that make them formidable in their respective roles.
A Showdown for the Ages
For Celtic fans, the prospect of seeing two of their key players go head-to-head with Van Dijk is a tantalizing one. It would be a thrilling spectacle that showcases the contrasting styles of one of the world’s best defenders and two of the most exciting talents to emerge from Celtic’s ranks in recent years.
Virgil van Dijk’s admiration for Hatate and Maeda further highlights the rising quality of the Scottish Premiership and the incredible talent that continues to emerge from Celtic. While the chance to see this matchup is yet to materialize in competitive football, it’s clear that Van Dijk respects the skill and potential these players possess. For now, fans can only hope that one day, the opportunity to witness such an exciting clash will come to fruition.
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