National team captain Graham Potter rattled off the names of top players in the Netherlands. At the Midsummer Eve press conference, he also talked about a top nation that he sees as one of the favorites to go all the way in the World Cup.
The team's captain was content to say that Ronald Koeman's eleven is complete. But when Nilsson Lindelöf was asked about his fellow centre-back, Van Dijk, he answered in detail.
Still at the top
He is a fantastic centre-back and has shown for years why he is one of the best in the world. There are many talented centre-backs out there and I don't like to say that one is the best, but he is still at the top, in my opinion.
The 34-year-old Van Dijk, like Liverpool, has not had a top season in the Premier League. The centre-back has received a lot of criticism for his defensive play and some pundits believe that his career is on the decline.
Nilsson Lindelöf disagrees and says the Dutchman's height, strength and aerial ability are always a threat.
I think everyone knows the power he has on set pieces. He scores a lot of goals and it's clear that we're aware of that.
"Threats everywhere"
National team colleague Alexander Bernhardsson also praises the Dutch team:
They have threats everywhere; there are world-class players in every position in the top leagues and top clubs.
Favorites tonight?
They clearly see themselves in the driver's seat, a sharp national team, well-coordinated because they have played together for a long time and they have world-class players everywhere, says Bernhardsson.
The World Cup match, the second in the group stage, will be played in Houston and kicks off at 7 p.m. local time.
