Exclusive: David Prutton sends Virgil Van Dijk warning ahead of Liverpool v Newcastle United | OneFootball

Virgil Van Dijk and Alexander Isak could have a huge say in the outcome of Sunday's EFL Cup final

The EFL Cup final between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium is fast-approaching, with the first piece of domestic silverware up for grabs between two of the Premier League's heavyweight clubs.

These two sides know all about what is one of the biggest events in the EFL calendar under the famous arch, with the Reds emerging victorious in this competition 12 months ago, defeating Chelsea 1-0 through Virgil Van Dijk's 118th-minute header earning Jürgen Klopp his final piece of silverware at Anfield.

The Magpies reached the showpiece event back in 2023 in what was their first appearance in this particular final since 1976, but returned to the North East empty-handed as two goals in six minutes from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford saw them defeated by Manchester United.

For both clubs, winning trophies on a regular basis is paramount, with Liverpool looking for their first under Arne Slot, whilst the 'Toon Army' are desperate to win their first domestic trophy since 1955.

Both squads are littered with elite-level quality that could swing the pendulum in either of their respective favours, but one attack-versus-defence tussle between two giants of the game, metaphorically and in figure, could be the decisive battle on Sunday afternoon.

That is the battle between Van Dijk and Alexander Isak, with both so crucial as to how Slot and Eddie Howe's sides function to such a high standard at opposite ends of the pitch.

Sky Sports pundit, David Prutton, believes the captain of the Merseyside outfit will have to perform to his maximum level in order to stop Newcastle's 22-goal Swede when speaking exclusively to Football League World.

"The EFL Cup final will be a fascinating encounter," Prutton began.

"You've got a team in Newcastle, collectively baying for a trophy - several generations of Newcastle fans haven't seen them do that, so there's a chance to put that right at Wembley.

"A big part of that will be the form and fitness of Alexander Isak, who has, quite simply, been sensational over the course of the whole season," he added.

"His pace, his effortless ability to finish, his composure in front of goal and his work rate really do show you just what - although Newcastle are a big club - some of the big, big, big clubs will be looking at, and enviously coveting the Newcastle man going forward."

"Virgil Van Dijk has to be absolutely on his metal," the 43-year-old stated. "One of the best defenders we've seen in the Premier League."

"The composure he shows - as I said with Isak's composure - at the back in defence, coupled potentially, maybe, with the disappointment of what going out in the Champions League would mean, not just to the club, the fanbase and the coffers, but the players personally," he continued.

"Their professional pride was on the line, and now it's another chance to test that with a big trophy chance at the weekend."

"He (Van Dijk) will have to be absolutely at his best, his elegant, dynamic, composed best to face a player who, on his day, would give most defenders in world football nightmares," Prutton concluded.

Alexander Isak will hope to catch Virgil Van Dijk on an off-day

As Prutton alluded to, Van Dijk has become one of the best defenders in Premier League history, and despite the qualities he will bring to the table himself, Isak will hope to catch the 33-year-old on an off-day, having been a part of 19 clean sheets this season in all competitions.

However, the lead-up to the final hasn't been smooth sailing for the North West club, with their captain stating that he remains in the dark over his long-term future with his contract expiring in three months' time at present, whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss the final for a second-straight season after suffering an ankle injury against PSG on Tuesday night.

Isak, who has scored three times in five games against Liverpool, had recently been nursing a groin issue which saw him miss the 2-0 defeat at Anfield on February 26th, before being substituted against Brighton in the FA Cup and in Monday's 1-0 win at West Ham, although Howe has clarified that no further issues were raised, with the Geordies' official X account also posting a picture of the 50-time international with the caption "Wembley ready'.

Van Dijk's imposing presence also makes him a threat from Liverpool set-pieces, as seen in last season's final and this season's semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur, whilst Isak's showreel of strikes makes him one of the most all-rounded frontmen in world football at present, and he will look to add to his two goals in this competition so far this season, which came in big-game ties against Chelsea and Arsenal.