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Virgil Van Dijk Says There Isn't A Best Defender In The World

Virgil Van Dijk Says There Isn't A Best Defender In The World

The Liverpool centre back is being considered the world's best right now, along with Sergio Ramos, but he says there's no answer.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

For many people Virgil van Dijk has become the world's best defender but the Liverpool centre back doesn't think that anyone can actually lay claim to the title of world's best.

With the end of the Premier League season coming very quickly it's nice that there's still silverware on offer. At this point of the last few seasons we've pretty much known who was going to win the league title.

This season not only is the title still up for grabs, between Manchester City and Liverpool, but we don't even know the location of the Player of the Year award.

For most people it's a straight fight between City's Raheem Sterling and Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk. One has completely improved his own game to be one of his side's most important players, the other has seemingly improved his team's entire defence.

Van Dijk has been collecting such rave reviews in the 18 months since his world record transfer fee from Southampton that he's now considered one of the best in the world.

Some argue that Sergio Ramos, the anti Van Dijk to Liverpool fans, is still the best in the world but it seems to be between those two only at this point.

However the Dutchman doesn't believe anyone can take that title. Speaking in the club programme, via the Liverpool Echo, the Dutchman said:

"Nobody can really claim that title - it's just about opinions. We just need to enjoy it when players are doing well for their teams and I'm feeling good at the moment.

"Obviously there are a lot of expectations when you come to a club for a record fee but you can't change that.

"You just need to perform and show it on the pitch and gain respect through that. I've tried to do that since day one and it's been going all right.

"There are plenty of good central defenders around and I enjoy watching them.

"If I watch big games like the Champions League on TV then I'm definitely watching what different centre-backs are doing in certain situations.

"When people are talking about you in a positive way, that's always a good thing. But, basically, that's it."

Van Dijk has been exceptional for the past 18 months. Image: PA Images
Van Dijk has been exceptional for the past 18 months. Image: PA Images

The Reds' defence this season has been very impressive, especially in comparison to last season when they were considered to be leaky, and they've only conceded 20 goals this season, less than any other side in the league.

Van Dijk has been a huge part of that turn around along with former world's most expensive goalkeeper Alisson, who joined from Roma in the summer.

If the Dutchman manages to add a Premier League title to all the praise this season then that really would round off an incredible 18 months.

Who is the best defender in the world right now?

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Topics: Liverpool, Football News, Sergio Ramos, World Football, Premier League, Virgil Van Dijk, Jurgen Klopp, Champions League, Spanish football, Real Madrid, La Liga