Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has admitted that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is the toughest team the Reds have encountered this season. The Dutch defender made the statement following Liverpool’s Champions League Round of 16 exit at the hands of the French giants on Tuesday night.

The thrilling encounter at Anfield ended with PSG eliminating Liverpool via penalties, following a 1-1 aggregate draw over the two legs. Despite Liverpool’s narrow victory in the first leg, PSG responded effectively by securing a hard-fought win in the return leg to force the match into a penalty shootout.

Speaking to Canal Plus after the match, Van Dijk praised PSG’s quality and credited their manager Luis Enrique for assembling a formidable squad.

“Congrats to PSG, they have been the best team we faced this season so far. Credits to Luis Enrique, he built a very good squad,” Van Dijk said.

The defeat marks another disappointing European campaign for Jurgen Klopp’s side, who have struggled to maintain consistency at the highest level. However, PSG’s performance was a testament to their growing strength under Enrique, who seems determined to finally deliver European glory to the Parisian club.

Opinion: Liverpool’s Missed Opportunity or PSG’s Brilliance?

Van Dijk’s admission should not be taken lightly. For a player of his calibre to recognize PSG as the best team they’ve faced this season speaks volumes about the French side’s quality. PSG’s attack, midfield dominance, and defensive resilience were all on display, and Liverpool simply couldn’t break them down when it mattered most.

But was this loss purely down to PSG’s brilliance, or did Liverpool fail to capitalize on their chances? Klopp’s team had moments of brilliance but seemed to lack the killer instinct they’ve shown in previous European campaigns.

For PSG, this victory could be a turning point. With Luis Enrique at the helm, they seem more balanced, disciplined, and ready to take on Europe’s best. This win over Liverpool could serve as a confidence booster as they march towards the quarter-finals.

On the other hand, Liverpool must now shift focus to their Carabao Cup final clash against Newcastle United this weekend. A victory there would go a long way in boosting their morale and proving that they are still a force to be reckoned with.

But for now, PSG deserves all the praise. They showed resilience, skill, and most importantly, the mentality to get the job done. The big question remains: Can PSG finally go all the way this season and win the Champions League?

What’s your take on this match? Do you think Liverpool was outclassed, or did they simply fail to rise to the occasion?