Virgil van Dijk heaped praise on Daniel Sturridge (Picture: Getty)

Virgil van Dijk has hailed Daniel Sturridge following intense speculation that the pair could have been team-mates at Liverpool this season.

The Reds were forced to make an official apology after an illegal approach for Van Dijk back in June and the 26-year-old defender remained at Southampton for the 2017/18 campaign, despite Manchester City also expressing a strong interest.

Rather conveniently, considering the interest from Liverpool and City, Van Dijk claimed Sturridge and Sergio Aguero are the toughest opponents he has faced when pressed by Rio Ferdinand at the FIFA 18 UK launch.

‘I think Sturridge when he is fit. He’s a great striker. I think Aguero is also an amazing striker – small, quick,’ the Netherlands international told the Manchester United legend on his Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE YouTube channel.

Van Dijk also believes Liverpool and City are the two English teams likely to go the furthest in this season’s Champions League.

He told Squawka: ‘I think Liverpool and Manchester City maybe.

Up Next

‘You never know. It’s always going to be difficult and [it’s] a different style of play – European nights are always different.

‘Anything can happen, especially if you are the big English clubs who are in the Champions League at the moment.’

MORE : Jose Mourinho claims Liverpool are ‘luckier’ than Manchester United after CSKA Moscow victory