Watch: When Liverpool's Virgil Van Dijk Confronted Joris Gnagnon During Pre-Season Match

One of the most prolific defenders of the current generation, Virgil van Dijk has been in brilliant form for Liverpool. Having joined Liverpool in 2018, the Dutchman has so far represented the Merseyside-based side 243 times across all competitions.

Van Dijk’s leadership prowess in Liverpool’s defence line has been commendable and his body language off the field has been no less impressive. His positive demeanor and aggressive mindset was on full display during one of Liverpool’s pre-season matches against Sevilla in 2019.

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At full-time, Van Dijk was seen confronting Sevilla defender Joris Gnagnon for his rash tackle on Yasser Larouci.

Gnagnon was given his marching orders for the tackle but that hardly pacified Van Dijk. The Dutch, along with Jordan Henderson and Andrew Robertson, had a fiery altercation with Gnagnon following the conclusion of the friendly fixture at Fenway Park in Boston back then.

A video of Van Dijk’s post-match gesture also went viral soon.

Gnagnon’s horrifying tackle on Yasser Larouci left the youngster injured.

Larouci had to be carried off the field on a stretcher in the 80th minute of the pre-season match which Liverpool lost 2-1. While talking to the reporters after the game, Virgil van Dijk talked about his reactions.

“I saw it from the side and it’s not nice. Especially when it happens against a young guy who is playing pretty well this season, it’s not great to see. I think it says something about him (Gnagnon). You have to just deal with it but obviously you don’t want to have injuries in pre-season, you want to get fit, get back to your best and want to play to win but the most important thing is to get fit. Hopefully for Yasser it is not that bad,” van Dijk had said back then.

This season, Van Dijk has so far featured for Liverpool in 18 matches in the Premier League. The 32-year-old also has one goal and two assists to his name.

Liverpool have been in impressive form in the current campaign with Jurgen Klopp’s men currently claiming the top spot in the Premier League standings. In their next match, the Reds will be up against Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday, January 21.