Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk and Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez are the best two defenders in England.
That’s according to Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Christian Romero. Speaking to Sky Sports, Romero was asked to name the top defenders right now. As it turns out, he rates the Liverpool man very highly indeed.
“Today, the best defender for me is Virgil Van Dijk, always, and Lisandro Martinez from Manchester United. For me, they are the best in the Premier League,” said the 24-year-old.
In Matinez’s case, there may be a certain amount of bias on show. The two are international teammates for Argentina after all. But for Van Dijk, he once again stands head and shoulders above the rest.
Appreciating one of the best to ever do it
Liverpool’s No.4 may be going through something of a rough patch, but his quality shouldn’t be questioned.
As they always say, form is temporary, class is permanent. And they don’t get much classier than Virgil Van Dijk.
On his day, the Dutchman has had calls to be crowned the best defender to have ever played the game. In almost all cases where that kind of praise is imparted, it’s going over the top.
But with Van Dijk, there is a genuine case to be made. The Liverpool man has simply been that good since rocking up at Anfield in January 2018.
He transformed Liverpool from a nearly team to one that got over the line. He went toe to toe with the greatest player of them all for the Ballon d’Or in 2019. Quite plainly, Van Dijk has been incredible throughout his time at Liverpool.
It’s important to note these things, as we see the first signs of a decline from the Holland captain. Like everyone, he won’t be immune to the impact of time.
That isn’t to say he’s going anywhere anytime soon. But as uncharacteristic mistakes start to creep into his game, it’s good to remember just what a player he has been over recent years.
If Liverpool are to achieve their goals this season, they’ll need Van Dijk to be at his best. When he is, there isn’t a player quite like him.
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