Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham says Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is ‘annoying’ to play against
Tammy Abraham says Virgil van Dijk is the toughest defender he has played against.
The Chelsea striker is the Premier League’s top scorer with eight goals in as many games, and scored for the first time in the Champions League last week.
But one of his blanks so far this season came in a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool when Van Dijk got the better of him.
Describing what it is like to go head to head with the Dutchman, Abraham said: “He's a beast. He’s just good at what he does.
"He’s experienced. I try to do a little... I try to use my tricks in my head but his understanding of the game is top drawer.
“It is to do with little things. Movement. My movement in the box, some defenders don’t pay attention to me - they are only focused on the ball.
“With him, it’s kind of both, he’s paying attention to me and the ball, knows where I am, knows where I want to go, follows me.
“It’s quite annoying for a striker - just leave me alone!”
Abraham’s fine start to the season resulted in an England call-up last week.
The 22-year-old was eligible to play for Nigeria after appearing in two friendlies for the Three Lions in 2017.
LIVE on talkSPORT
Check out all the live commentaries coming up across the talkSPORT network this week
- Germany vs Argentina (Wednesday, 7:45pm) - talkSPORT 2
- Russia vs Scotland (Thursday, 7:45pm) - talkSPORT 2
- Czech Republic vs England (Friday, 7:45pm) - talkSPORT
- Coventry vs Tranmere (Sunday, 12pm) - talkSPORT 2
However, Abraham insists it has always been his ‘dream’ to represent England.
He added: "For me, it’s always nice to be wanted by two nations - it clearly means you’re doing something well.
“At the back of my head, I’ve always wanted to play for England. I was born and have grown up in England.
“My dream was always to play for England. I love both nations but my head was just screwed on with England.”
LATEST FOOTBALL NEWS
Abraham will be competing with captain Harry Kane and Callum Wilson for a starting place in England’s Euro 2020 qualifies against the Czech Republic and Bulgaria.
He said: “I’ve come here to steal ideas. Harry Kane is one of the best strikers in the world. I’ve come to learn the other parts of his game, add it to my game as well.
“You see his finishing, left foot, right foot, just take that into my game so when I go back I can work on myself and practise.”