Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has tipped Red Bull Salzburg to cause more shocks in the Europa League this season.
The Reds booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday night when they beat Salzburg 2-0 away from home to finish second in their group.
Salzburg were in with a chance to qualify as well but they needed to win at home and will now have to feature in the last 32 of the Europa League in the second half of the season.
The Austrian side have caused upsets in the Champions League this season with their 19-year-old striker Erling Braut Haaland scoring eight goals in the group stage.
Van Dijk insists Liverpool did not make the mistake of taking Salzburg lightly after their performance at Anfield earlier in the group stage.
The Dutchman is certain that the Austrian side are going to be a real surprise for many teams in the Europa League.
“I am very happy”, the defender was quoted as saying by Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur.
“We played well. Salzburg were very good at Anfield, so we knew what to expect.
“They will surprise many in the Europa League.”
It remains to be seen whether Salzburg will have Haaland in their squad by the time their European campaign resumes next year.
