Sami Hyypia has hailed Virgil van Dijk as the world’s greatest defender, admitting, “he has no weakness.”
The Dutchman was again a towering presence at the heart of Liverpool’s back-line on Sunday, as they beat Manchester United 2-0 at Anfield.
Not only did Van Dijk power Liverpool in front with a bullet header, but he also won three aerial duels and held the defence together.
Speaking to beIN SPORTS, Reds legend Hyypia ran out of superlatives for the 28-year-old, admitting he is unrivalled in the world right now:
I think Virgil is the best centre-back in the world. He has no weakness.
The fact when he came, Liverpool were lacking in leadership a little bit. It was asking too much on James Milner and Jordan Henderson.
When Van Dijk came it took the weight off those two and there was another leader on the field.
He gives confidence to everyone, he gets everyone to play better around him.
Read Liverpool Verdict
It may sound like hyperbole, but Van Dijk is the best centre-back I have seen play the game.
Admittedly, I don’t remember the likes of Franco Baresi and Franz Beckenbauer, to name a few legends of the game, but he is the complete defender.
Sunday’s showing was just his latest immaculate performance, showcasing exactly why he is so special.
He is quick, strong, dominant aerially, a great reader of the game and a leader, with his four goals an added bonus this season.
This is a truly special defender we are watching, in my opinion.
