Liverpool news: Agbonlahor can’t believe Virgil van Dijk probe – ‘I loved it’
Gabby Agbonlahor has praised Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk for defending his Netherlands teammates at the World Cup.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker admitted he “loved” the scenes during the Netherlands’ penalty shootout quarter-final defeat to Argentina last week (9 December).
Van Dijk was involved in a mass confrontation as he bodychecked Leandro Paredes to the ground after he had kicked the ball at the Netherlands’ bench.
Despite referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz dishing out 18 yellow cards during the game, the 31-year-old avoided any punishment.
BBC Sport reported on Saturday (10 December) that Fifa have opened disciplinary proceedings against both countries and are investigating potential misconduct of players and officials.
“First of all, I love that,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“I’m old school. I’ve seen Paredes play and he’s a wind-up, he’s that sort of character. Even the reaction from the Dutch players, I loved.
“I know it’s not good for the younger generations but sometimes this happens. In a high-importance game, players can sometimes lose it.
“I loved it. Van Dijk coming over as captain and knocking him over. There was no violence, no punching.
“I thought it was spicy. Messi celebrated in front of Van Gaal before it went to 2-2, he must have been thinking ‘What if I lose here’.
“That rivalry will be there forever now. Whenever Argentina play the Netherlands it will be a sort of war.”
Van Dijk started all five of his country’s games at the World Cup and now has 53 international caps.
He could return to action with Liverpool on 21 December when they face Man City in the League Cup.
In other news, Liverpool have opened talks on £180,000-a-week player deal.