Ferdinand insists Ramos is world's best defender - NOT Van Dijk

Rio Ferdinand has dismissed claims that Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk is the best defender in the world - insisting Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos holds that title instead.

Van Dijk has been pivotal to the Reds' title challenge this season, reinforcing a leaky back line to one that is now the strongest in the Premier League.

But for former Manchester United defender Ferdinand, while he is no doubt that the Dutchman is a 'fantastic' player, in order to be considered the world's best, you also need to win trophies.

When asked whether van Dijk was now the world's No 1 defender by the Sunday Mirror, Ferdinand replied: 'I'd still put Sergio Ramos there.

'Ramos, when the big games come up, the trophies are there to be won, he's normally standing there with his sleeves rolled up.

'To be considered the best in the world, you have got to win stuff.'

Liverpool are currently neck and neck in the title race with Manchester City as Jurgen Klopp's side bid to end a 29-year wait for top flight honours.

The Reds finished runner-up in last year's Champions League final in Kiev - a game that incensed Liverpool supporters as Ramos appeared to slam star player Mohamed Salah into the ground, ending his participation in the contest.

Real Madrid went on to win a third consecutive European title while Ramos secured his fourth in five years, adding to a trophy cabinet that includes four league titles and two Copa del Reys.

Van Dijk is yet to taste silverware with Liverpool and for Ferdinand, that is the key difference between the pair.

He added: 'That's why, when people talk about Player of the Year and you see they haven't won anything, I am thinking, "How? You haven't influenced a team to win things".

'Virgil is a fantastic player, potentially the best in the world, but right now, no. And I'd think he would agree.'