Virgil van Dijk is the third best player in the world behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, Chris Sutton has told the BBC, as reported by the Metro.

Since completing his move to the Reds from Southampton in January, Van Dijk has already become a fan favourite, with the Merseyside club now boasting one of the best defences in the league.

Celtic legend, Chris Sutton, has now gone as far as to say that only Ronaldo and Messi are better players in world football at present.

It may not be fashionable to mention a defender when you have a conversation like this, but when you look at the difference Virgil van Dijk has made to Liverpool then you can see just how good he is.

There is not an attribute you need as a defender that he does not have, he is quick, strong, consistent and he does not seem to lose his concentration. Liverpool’s defence has been transformed through Van Dijk’s influence

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He also has tremendous distribution when he is on the ball, and he reads the game so well. He has got the lot.

There will be a clamour for Eden Hazard and other attacking players, and I understand that, but Van Dijk has shown the difference a brilliant defender can make to any side.

Liverpool currently sit joint-top of the Premier League table after eight games with Chelsea and Manchester City and are yet to lose a game.