Pablo Mari has told Gazzetta Dello Sport that Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is the best player in the world, in his position. The Arsenal man, out on loan at Udinese, branded the Reds defender as an “animal”.
Van Dijk, 31, has been sensational ever since joining Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018 – four years ago. Despite a season on the sidelines, a knee injury sustained against Everton, he has played 171 times.
His consistency, positioning, defensive intelligence, aerial ability and passing has already made him a Liverpool legend. He has helped guide Jurgen Klopp’s side to the Champions League trophy, and a league title.
Arsenal’s Mari, meanwhile, is impressing at Udinese – helping them escape a potential relegation scrap. The £7m (90Min) Arsenal said: “There is no doubt: Van Dijk, an animal,” when asked for the best defender in the world.
Mari on van Dijk: Liverpool star’s form like he never spent time out
Mari is right, van Dijk is the best defender in the world right now. Better than Aymeric Laporte, better than Leonardo Bonucci, better than Sergio Ramos and plenty of other top centre-backs. It is down to his consistency.
He deserves enormous praise for that. His ability to return to the Liverpool side earlier this season like he had never left, despite a very serious knee injury. For that, he deserves the title as the best defender in the world.
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