Jamie Carragher was always going to receive a backlash when he branded Virgil van Dijk 'too big' during his early days as a Liverpool player.

The Sky Sports pundit stirred up controversy by stating: "I think he needs to get fit and lose a bit of weight. He actually looks too big. Maybe that's to do with not having a pre-season."

Admittedly, Van Dijk hasn't enjoyed the greatest start to life on Merseyside and is yet to pick up a clean sheet in the famous red jersey. Conceding a last minute penalty in the recent clash with Tottenham certainly didn't help the situation, either.

Nevertheless, you get the impression that the 'too big' comments were somewhat harsh, even if Van Dijk was starved of playing time until his eventual Southampton exit.

Both Jurgen Klopp and the man himself responded to the comments and the back and forth has been thoroughly intriguing. 

Jurgen Klopp and Virgil van Dijk hit back

Klopp remarked in a recent press conference: "Wow! I’m sure Jamie could lose a little bit of weight but I think Virgil is a big and tall player. No-one came with me and said we need to work with him."

Fair enough. Van Dijk then waded into the debate and with an offer for Carragher at that, stating: "He needs to come into the dressing room and he can see if I need to lose some weight because I don’t think I need to lose some weight!

"I have been out for 8 months - last January until September really and I didn’t play at Premier League level." 

Just when the conversation looked to have ended, though, Carragher jumped in once again with the most comical set of comments yet.

Carragher continues to keep himself fit at the Rotunda Boxing Club in Kirkdale with daily training sessions and the 40-year-old wants Klopp and Van Dijk to join him there.

Jamie Carragher suggest trip to the boxing gym

“I've never looked better. I'm in better shape now than when I was playing. Tell Jurgen to get down the Rotunda!" Carragher joked.

“Tell Virgil to get himself down the Rotunda too. We'll get him on the pads!”

What a sight that would be!

It's difficult to see Carragher overcoming either Van Dijk or Klopp with the former at the peak of his career and the latter being renowned for his passion and energy.

Obviously, the back and forth has now transitioned from a serious point to something of a laugh, yet - sparring session or not - Van Dijk still has a long way to go to win everybody over.

If his weight isn't truly an issue, Carragher will wonder whether the Dutchman's mental strength is big enough.

Do you think Vigil van Dijk has been a good signing for Liverpool? Have your say in the comments section below.