---
title: "Van Dijk might be better than me, claims Stam"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/van-dijk-might-be-better-than-me-claims-stam/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Articles"
published: "2019-12-09T13:30:00Z"
modified: "2019-12-09T13:30:00Z"
---

# Van Dijk might be better than me, claims Stam

Jaap Stam admits Virgil van Dijk may be a more formidable centre-back than he was in his prime.

The Dutchman was one of the most dominant defenders of his generation, proving to be a rock for the likes of the Netherlands, Manchester United and AC Milan.

At his peak, there arguably wasn’t a better centre-back in the world, much like Van Dijk currently.

Speaking to [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnfXIwUwyqA&feature=youtu.be](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnfXIwUwyqA&feature=youtu.be)*[Stadium Astro](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnfXIwUwyqA&feature=youtu.be)*, Stam refused to rule out the idea of the Liverpool superstar being better than him, hailing his growth as a player:

> Yeah, maybe even better, I don’t know.

> But Virgil is a presence. That’s very important as a football player if you want to play in the highest leagues and the biggest clubs.

> Positioning yourself is very important. In possession and also out of possession because it helps you a lot.

> You get times to do things and he’s doing a fantastic job.

### Read Liverpool Verdict

Van Dijk may only have been at the very top of his game for a couple of years, but the praise he is earning is fully merited.

The 28-year-old has found a staggering level of form in a Reds shirt, transforming the team in the process.

Should he continue in the same vein for several more years, he will go down as one of the best centre-backs of all time.

That may sound like hyperbole, but Van Dijk really is that good.