Virgil van Dijk is showing signs of returning to his best this season as he continues to lead the Liverpool backline with aplomb.
The Dutch international has started every Premier League and UEFA Champions League game for the Reds as Arne Slot’s side find themselves at the top of the league standings.
Liverpool also have two wins from as many European games this season, having notched up comfortable wins against AC Milan and Bologna so far.
Van Dijk is undoubtedly an indispensable asset for Slot and Antonio Rudiger has stated just how highly he rates the 33-year-old.
Antonio Rudiger says Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk up there with the world’s best
The Real Madrid defender, who is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world in his position, feels Van Dijk is up there as he named him among the top three centre-backs currently alongside William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
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Rudiger also feels Van Dijk’s move to the Reds in January 2018 transformed the club as Jurgen Klopp’s side went on to win every major trophy in club football.
“He changed Liverpool, to be very honest,” said Rudiger on The Inside Scoop podcast.
“Before they were leaking goals left and right. He had times when people doubted him and stuff like this. But he’s doing so well after a big injury that can change careers.
“People also said he’s done, but he’s not done and he’s a top-class defender. Definitely in the last couple of years one of the best centre-backs.”
Virgil van Dijk’s achievements speak for itself
Since joining the club in 2018, Van Dijk has been one of the most consistent players in his position and has recovered admirably since suffering an ACL injury in 2020.
There was a phase after his return when he wasn’t at his imperious best, but since the start of the 2023-24 campaign, Van Dijk has delivered a string of impressive displays and is up there with the best players in the world in his position.
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Saliba and Gabriel, for their part, are fantastic players in their own right, but they have a long way to go to match or better what the Liverpool captain has done in the game.
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