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Liverpool news: Virgil van Dijk claim made by Bayern Munich star Mats Hummels
LIVERPOOL defender Virgil van Dijk is the best centre-back in the world.
Klopp: 'OUTSTANDING' Van Dijk can play until he's 39
That’s the view of Bayern Munich star Mats Hummels, who will come up against the Dutchman in the Champions League next month.
Van Dijk has shone for Liverpool since joining from Southampton 12 months ago.
He has become a key cog in Jurgen Klopp’s side as the Reds chase their first ever Premier League title.
Van Dijk kept another clean sheet on Saturday as Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the table with a 1-0 win over Brighton.
Hummels held a Q&A on his Twitter page with one fan asking whether Van Dijk is the best centre-back in the world.
And Hummels, who has won the World Cup and four Bundesliga titles, simply responded: “Yes.”
Many believes Van Dijk is already among Liverpool’s best ever defenders.
The Reds have had a number of stars in their back-line over the years including the likes of Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia.
And Liverpool legend Ian Rush believes Van Dijk is still behind at least one other former star.
“Well, he’s [Van Dijk] still got a long way to go, for me,” Rush recently told talkSPORT.
“If Alan Hansen would be playing football today, he’d be an absolute world-beater.
“Even in our day, he never tackled anyone, but on the ball he was absolutely unbelievable.
“He was like a midfielder.
“I think Van Dijk and Joe Gomez could be absolutely incredible.
“But whoever plays with Van Dijk plays well – [Dejan] Lovren, [Joel] Matip – Van Dijk organises the defence and helps them all round. That’s how good he has been.”
Van Dijk will be hoping to keep another clean sheet when Liverpool host Crystal Palace next Saturday (3pm).