Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has taken aim at Manchester United amidst rumours that his national teammate Cody Gakpo could be set to move to Old Trafford.
Speaking to The Athletic, the Dutchman praised the PSV attacker but hinted that he could do better than move to Erik ten Hag’s side.
Gakpo, 23, has scored 13 goals and assisted 17 this season for his club, and has put in some impressive displays for the Netherlands at the World Cup.
He has been linked with the likes of Arsenal and Real Madrid as well as United, and Van Dijk was quick to explain that a move to the Bernabeu would be better than joining his rivals.
“Are Manchester United and Real Madrid the same level at this moment? No disrespect, not at all,” Van Dijk stated.
“I think he definitely has a next step in him. I definitely feel like it could happen.
“Whether it happens in the winter or next year, time will tell. But he’s a great boy. (He) works hard, is very talented and there’s definitely more in him. We are very pleased he’s doing so well and long may it continue.”
TIF thoughts on Van Dijk and Gakpo…
Although the 31-year-old is correct that the current European Champions are a level above a United team in transition, it does not mean that it would not be a good move for him.
The attacker would gain more regular minutes under Ten Hag and in his preferred position on the left wing. At Real Madrid, he would be competing with Brazil star Vinicius Junior for a starting spot.
Van Dijk is right that Gakpo has a “next step” in him, and the explosive 23-year-old looks well on his way to reaching another level of performance after a highly impressive 12 months.