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Fans are convinced Virgil van Dijk deliberately held back from naming Alexander Isak when questioned about the toughest striker he went up against last season.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool's 4-2 triumph over Bournemouth on Friday, the captain also discussed the Reds' reshaped defense, which shipped four goals across their opening two matches.
This season, Jeremie Frimpong has taken over Trent Alexander-Arnold's role at right back, while new arrival Milos Kerkez has all but claimed Andy Robertson's spot on the left. Liverpool has also signed highly-rated youngster Giovanni Leoni, while a move for Crystal Palace ace Marc Guehi could also be sorted before the window closes.
Van Dijk admitted that it will take a while for the defense to fully understand each other, but emphasized that the team's success depends on "defending as a unit" rather than solely relying on the back four.
The topic later moved to strikers who could be a threat this season, with Van Dijk being asked to name the most difficult opponent he faced last year. After a long pause and a knowing grin, the Dutchman delivered a response that caught attention.
"Wow, that's a very good question. I'll have to come back to you," he told Men in Blazers, before teasing with: "Who did you want me to say?"
His coy answer immediately sparked social media chatter, with fans convinced he was hinting at Newcastle forward Isak, who has been heavily linked to a move to Anfield this summer. "We all know he wanted to say Isak... but didn't want to go there. Respect big man," noted one user.
Another post read: "Van Dijk thinking of Isak and not being sure whether he can say it haha." A third chimed in: "He definitely wanted to name Isak there, but knew it would cause problems."
The summer's most high-profile Premier League saga has been the tug-of-war between Liverpool and Newcastle over Isak. Liverpool is pushing hard while Newcastle is refusing to compromise - with a nail-biting end to the window on the cards.
Anfield officials have long admired Isak and are still eager to sign him despite already shelling out $93 million (£69M) on striker Hugo Ekitike. Liverpool's initial $148M (£110M) bid for Isak was turned down by the Magpies, who value him at $203M (£150M).
In late July, tensions grew when Isak began requesting a move to Anfield. By early August, he had stopped training with Newcastle's senior squad after skipping the club's Asia pre-season tour.
The player reportedly considers his Newcastle tenure over and has pledged to never play for them again - even if the transfer does not happen. Despite this, Newcastle has stayed firm, though has sought alternatives all summer - including Ekitike, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Yoane Wissa, and Benjamin Sesko - with no success, leaving Eddie Howe short in attack.
With Isak sidelined, Anthony Gordon slotted in as a makeshift No. 9 in Newcastle's opening-day stalemate against Aston Villa. The team dominated possession and attempted 16 shots, yet only three were on target, exposing the gap left by Isak.
Howe has called for a "quick resolution," though he admits the matter is mostly beyond his control. Liverpool remains in pursuit, Isak maintains a self-imposed exile, and Newcastle is holding firm - setting up a tense showdown that may ultimately be decided by whoever blinks first.
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