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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has lavished praise on Arsenal rival Jurrien Timber after the pair took the Netherlands a step closer toward next year’s World Cup.
The pair started alongside each other at the heart of Ronald Koeman’s defense as the Dutch romped to a 4-0 win over Finland. Van Dijk and Liverpool teammate Cody Gakpo were both on the scoresheet, along with Donyell Malen and Memphis Depay.
The victory means the Dutch can secure their place at next year’s tournament if they beat Poland in their next game during the November international break, although a draw should be enough as well, given their vastly superior goal difference.
Van Dijk was given the rare opportunity to partner Timber at center-back - the Arsenal star is generally used as a right-back for his club, with Gabriel and William Saliba having formed a solid pairing.
The Liverpool captain, though, is in no doubt about Timber’s ability in the role, having clearly enjoyed playing alongside him on Sunday.
“A player who is in top form,” Van Dijk told NOS about Timber after the win over Finland.
"When you’re with the Dutch team now and you watch the central defenders, there’s quite a bit of competition.
“You have to push each other and get the best out of each other. Ultimately, the national coach makes the decisions. But it’s pure enjoyment.”
Having spent the past week as teammates, Van Dijk and Timber will return to being rivals now as they report back to their respective clubs.
Arsenal currently holds a one-point lead over Liverpool at the top of the Premier League, having clawed back a five-point deficit after the Reds’ recent three-game losing streak.
With only seven games played so far, though, there is a long, long way to go for both sides, and there will likely be more twists and turns before the next international break next month.
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Mikel Arteta’s side will get the chance to extend their lead for at least 24 hours as they face Fulham on Saturday, with Liverpool hosting Manchester United on Sunday.
Arne Slot will be sweating on a few of his players before then, with Ryan Gravenberch raising concerns after being substituted at half-time for the Netherlands.
Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate was forced to return early from France duty, having picked up a quad injury during the Reds’ defeat to Chelsea. Alisson Becker is expected to remain out, as is long-term absentee Giovanni Leoni, while Wataru Endo could be a doubt after pulling out of Japan’s squad.
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