Liverpool defender and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk has commented on facing Portugal superstar and five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo in the finals of the UEFA Nations League.
The 27-year-old played a starring role as Ronaldo Koeman's side secured a 3-1 victory in the semi-finals against England on Thursday night to book a spot in the finals of the inaugural Nations League.
Widely considered as the best defender in the world, Van Dijk revealed his delight at being able to participate in another cup-final this season, and also commented on the prospect of facing Ronaldo, who single-handedly secured A Selecao's spot in the final, netting a hat-trick in the 3-1 victory over Switzerland.
"We'll see. It's not only Cristiano Ronaldo we're going to face, we face a great Portugal. We will see what's going to happen," Van Dijk told reporters after the game via Bleacher Report.
"I'm looking forward to playing this final with this team, and we're going to give everything that we can to hopefully hold that trophy in the end and do everyone proud."
The UEFA Champions League-winning superstar also briefly commented on Joao Felix, the in-demand teenager dubbed the "New Ronaldo".
"I watch football as well, I've seen the Europa League. Everyone has seen him. He's a big talent for them.
"He has a bright future in front of him if he stays humble and keeps working hard and hopefully we can shut them down.
"Hopefully we are going to win."
Ronaldo managed to get the better of Van Dijk in their last cup-final clash, when Real Madrid ran out 3-1 victors in the 2018 Champions League final.
Netherlands and Portugal do duty on Sunday 9 June at the Estadio Do Dragao, with kickoff set for 20:45pm.
Read: Esperance Respond To CAF's Shock CCL Decision
Which player will come out on top in the battle between Ronaldo and van Dijk? Which side are you backing to win the Nations League title, Netherlands or Portugal? Have your say in the comments section below.
