Liverpool fans may be busy debating how to stop Bukayo Saka’s pace or Viktor Gyökeres’ goals, but according to Virgil van Dijk, they may be focusing on the wrong danger entirely.
In a striking revelation ahead of the highly anticipated showdown with Arsenal, the Liverpool captain has admitted that there is one Arsenal player who genuinely worries him — and it’s not the usual headline names.
> “I’m worried about the upcoming match even though we’ve won many big games. When it comes to this player, I’m genuinely cautious,” Van Dijk confessed.
❌ Not Saka. Not Gyökeres.
✅ The Real Threat: Declan Rice
Van Dijk reportedly singled out Declan Rice as the player Liverpool must urgently figure out how to contain if they want to avoid serious trouble.
The Dutch defender described Rice as a player with “terrifying power”, praising his ability to dominate games both defensively and offensively.
Why Declan Rice Is Liverpool’s Biggest Problem 😨
Rice has quietly become the engine of Arsenal’s team:
🧠 Elite game intelligence – reads danger before it develops
💪 Physical dominance – wins duels, presses relentlessly
🎯 Goal threat from midfield – late runs, long-range strikes
🔄 Controls tempo – dictates how fast or slow Arsenal play
Unlike Saka or Gyökeres, who can be marked tightly, Rice influences every phase of the game, making him far harder to neutralize.
Slot’s Tactical Headache 🤯
With Arne Slot preparing his game plan, stopping Rice may now be priority number one. Allow him space, and Arsenal gain control. Shut him down, and Liverpool could disrupt Arsenal’s entire rhythm.
Final Word 🔥
This isn’t just another big-game warning — it’s a rare admission from one of the world’s best defenders. If Virgil van Dijk is concerned, Liverpool should be too.
All eyes will be on Declan Rice.
Because if Liverpool fail to handle him… the consequences could be devastating. 💥
