The only stipulation for the centre-back was that he couldn’t pick any of his Liverpool teammates in his preferred 1-2-1 formation.
So, read on to find out the quintet of opponents Van Dijk chose, and his reasons why, during an interview with Premier League Productions…
Goalkeeper: Ederson
I think he is an outstanding goalkeeper. I think this season there have been more better goalkeepers than we have seen maybe in the past, but I think Ederson is the best of the rest - I think Alisson is still number one, that’s my feeling.
Defender: Aymeric Laporte
He’s been showing how important he is for their team and I think he’s an outstanding defender. I think he’s a very, very, very good defender, so that’s why I pick him.
Midfielder: Kevin De Bruyne
It looks like it’s only City players! But Kevin De Bruyne, you don’t need to say too much about him. I think Kevin is a good guy first of all but he’s an outstanding player. You see things differently and yeah, respect only. He’s a fantastic player.
Midfielder: Son Heung-min
He’s quick, he’s strong, he goes out there to make life hell on the pitch for a defender. And his finishing – right foot, left foot – is just outstanding so I think I would pick him.
Forward: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Based on what he has done throughout the season. Together Lacazette and Aubameyang are a fantastic striking duo. I could also put Aguero in but I think he’s a good striker and I think the numbers have showed that as well since he arrived.