Liverpool are gearing up for a fresh European charge as the Champions League returns next week. The Reds will open their campaign with a heavyweight clash against Atletico Madrid, a side that has caused them problems in the past — most notably their 2020 knockout exit.Now under the guidance of Arne Slot, Liverpool are looking to put those memories behind them. Slot already showed his European pedigree last season by steering his team through the group stage almost flawlessly, and with a summer of big-name arrivals like Alexander Isak, expectations are sky-high at Anfield.Among the familiar faces leading the charge is captain Virgil van Dijk, who continues to be hailed as one of the best defenders in world football. Speaking on TNT Sports, former West Ham striker Michail Antonio could not hide his admiration for the Dutchman when asked to build a combined Champions League XI.“Virgil has everything you want in a defender — pace, power, composure on the ball, and positioning that’s almost perfect every time,” Antonio said. “With all those qualities in one player, he’s unbelievably tough to play against. Honestly, he has it all.”Van Dijk’s commanding presence at the back is just one of the reasons many are tipping Liverpool to be genuine contenders for a seventh European crown this season. Their last appearance in the final came in 2022 against Real Madrid, but with Slot at the helm and fresh talent reinforcing the squad, hopes are high that another big run is on the horizon.Interestingly, when Antonio and pundit Julien Laurens put together their XI, the choice of van Dijk meant they couldn’t include Mohamed Salah. Laurens even went as far as to say he would pick Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal over the Egyptian star right now — a bold claim that Antonio agreed with.Still, Salah has made a career out of silencing doubters. As Europe’s biggest stage comes back to life, don’t be surprised if the “Egyptian King” once again writes his name into Champions League history.
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