News'The best' - Alessandro Nesta's salute to Virgil van Dijk

Former centre-back Nesta helped his country win the 2006 World Cup and was twice victorious in the Champions League with AC Milan during a career glittered with trophies.

Asked about the finest defenders in the game currently, he selected the Reds' No.4 as the standout in the position.

"For me, now Van Dijk is the best," said Nesta.

"The best because he performs every year at the same level. He plays in the Premier League, the biggest league in the world, for me, and toughest.

"So, for me he is the best."

Van Dijk became the first Dutchman to skipper a side to the Premier League title when Arne Slot's men were crowned champions in 2024-25.

Overall since joining Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018, he has made 329 appearances, scored 29 goals and lifted eight major honours.