Virgil van Dijk has been billed as the best defender in the world by AC Milan legend Franco Baresi, with Liverpool considered to have found a “leader” who adds “quality, character and strength” to their ranks.
The commanding Netherlands international on the books at Anfield is widely considered to be the finest exponent of his chosen position in the modern game.
Baresi believes that success helps to highlight the value of talented defenders, with the Rossoneri great telling FIFA when asked to make his pick of the current crop: “Football has changed so much in the last 15 to 20 years, not just on the pitch but in how it’s seen, access to information and the role of social media and all that.
“I think the way in which defenders are seen has also changed over the years. Real football fans know how important defenders are and they appreciate them.
“If I had to name names, then the one who really stands out is Virgil van Dijk, who’s shown the quality, character and strength that a defender needs to have to be a successful leader of a team like Liverpool.”
Baresi, who spent his entire 20-year career with Milan, once played with and against some of the very finest talent the world has ever seen.
Quizzed as to the makeup of his all-time list, the ex-Italy international said: “I’ve played with and against so many great players that it’s hard for me to choose.
“But given everything I’ve learned about football in my life, I’m going to choose two players from every generation who have really made their mark on the history of the game.
“Pele and Eusebio – who I remember watching on TV when I was young – Johan Cruyff and Franz Beckenbauer, then Diego Maradona and Michel Platini, Ronaldo and Marco van Basten, and finally Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. That ought to do it!”
Sam_barca4eva
485
Generally Ramos is best defender in the world no doubt. And if it is by form I prefer Koulibali at the moment. He has been a beast for Napoli. And Van Dijk lacks efficiency one-on-one.
karlu1985
290
Ramos managed to make Pepe appear as a good defender, because of his dark art.i don't know which planet Ramos came from ?, Ramos doesn't play football and these are only damaging the image of that historical club . and i really don't understand how he had not been banned from professional football, how can any club accept that kind of behavior ?, the God of fouls and Satan for life Ramos has anger issues, how can someone like this play in the so called beautiful game?, he is terrible and dirty.as a defender you use your brain to stop your opponent but you don't go around hurting them , that's why Van Dijk is the best, cause he uses his brain and he is humble and educated,he is not proud or arrogant like the other who comes on the field to destroye others career . always targeting players, Ramos is very sick man he should be in mental treatment center,he shouldn't be on the football field and he should receive a lifetime ban and shame on all those who supporting him.i will never understood how he was even allowed to continue playing the so - called beautiful game and I think he should be sent to a psychiatric hospital.and this is not about Liverpool at all,I just feel very Bad for those who thinks he is a good defender.master of dark art and he is a disgrace to football and I'm out.
Ramos_Garcia
26
Van Dijk is the most overrated player. As we all know Sergio Ramos is the best defender of all time. Van Dijk does not deserve to won the UEFA beat player award. His overall should be 82 in FIFA 20.