Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk has admitted there is no friendship when he takes to the field against Manchester City at the weekend.

The two recent rivals go head to head once again in the league, as Liverpool aim for a top four spot and City hope to reel in Arsenal in the title race.

Van Dijk may have a great relationship with City's Nathan Ake off the field and on international duty, but that changes when the game kicks off.

"I am very close with Nathan, also in everyday life," said Van Dijk, per the Manchester Evening News.

"We live close to each other, our families get along very well and we see each other every week. Nat has been in a good flow all year but he is also modest.

"He is playing so well at the moment and is so important for our national team and Man City. He is achieving a very consistent level and people do not realize that is the hardest thing for a footballer to do.

"I am happy for him because I see what's going on behind the scenes and how much he's put in for it. On Saturday, he will probably be up against Mohamed Salah and hopefully we can get a good result.

"When the whistle blows, it's battle and a war on the pitch. After that, we pick up the friendship again and there are more important things in life than football."