Joel Matip has claimed that Liverpool team-mate Virgil van Dijk is so good that he has improved the rest of Jurgen Klopp's squad.
Van Dijk has been in incredible form for the Reds this term, making 39 appearances in all competitions and helping them to the top of the Premier League table.
The Dutchman is one of the favourites to win the PFA Player of the Year award, but Matip believes he brings more to Liverpool than just his own performances.
'He's a great defender,' Matip told Premier League Productions.
'And being around him, I think everybody improves. He has had a big impact on the improvement. It's great to play [with] him. He's a complete defender and he knows what to do.
'Every defender does things a little bit differently. You always need some time to really know each other. This is normal. I think we need this time in a good way and this is working most of the time quite well.'
Matip has also impressed this season, starting each of the last 12 games after recovering from a fractured collarbone.
However, with competition from Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren, the Cameroon defender is not taking his place in Klopp's starting XI for granted.
'It's not too bad; I always know that I have to improve but it's a good feeling to be on the pitch and to play,' he said.
'If you win it's also not too bad. I'm happy. But you know you have always to improve, to get better, to be part of the team.'
VanishPrasad
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Van Dijk is too good. Remember how he stopped.two Tottenham players from scoring. Not forgetting his man marking and he doesn't allow anyone to dribble past him. He also has a good scoring run. In my opinion, Ramos is the greatest defender of all time but at this stage, Van Dijk is the best in the world.