Ferdinand names Van Dijk world's best defender explains why

"When he’s fit, over the last couple of years, I think he has been the go-to guy," former Man United star Rio Ferdinand said of Virgil van Dijk on the FIVE YouTube Channel, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo.

"He had the biggest impact on a team, I think, in terms of centre backs over the last probably three years.

"I think it’s just consistency and the ability to win. Varane is unrivalled alongside Ramos in terms of winning, but Van Dijk the way his form has been over the last three years, he has been immense.

"[Ruben] Dias has been great but he [only] played last season. I’m talking about consistency over a number of years and I think those guys are probably apart at the moment."

It's a brilliant assessment and you forget it's a Man United legend speaking when you read these nice words.

Van Dijk has lifted Liverpool from a contending team into winners, as his mentality, defensive skills, long-range passing and contribution in the final third have played a crucial role in the Reds' Champions League and Premier League triumphs.