Alessandro Nesta says Liverpool have a player who’s simply ‘the best’ in the world

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Alessandro Nesta believes Arne Slot currently has a player at Liverpool who is the best in the world at his position.

The Reds headed into the international break in desperate need of a respite after the 2-1 loss against Chelsea marked three consecutive defeats across all competitions.

Despite spending approximately £450 million in the summer transfer window to build a star-studded line-up, Slot has major problems at Anfield.

Although the champions sit only two points adrift of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League, the side has appeared disjointed and their performances have not been up to scratch thus far.

However, legendary defender Nesta has run the rule over one Reds star, who he says is still the best player despite recent poor form.

Virgil van Dijk is the best defender in the world

When speaking to Goal, Nesta was asked who he thinks is the current best defender in the world, and he wasted no time in naming Virgil van Dijk.

“For me now, Van Dijk, Van Dijk is the best. The best because he performs every year at the same level, he plays in the Premier League, the toughest league, for me, he is the best.”

Van Dijk was slammed by Dutch media for his “weak” display in the 4-0 win against Malta in the World Cup qualifier on Friday.

The 34-year-old has appeared to be the sole member of the Reds backline who is not enduring a torrid spell of form, with centre-back partner Ibrahima Konate struggling tremendously.

With the arrivals of Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez this summer, van Dijk is leading a new-look backline which has yet to develop chemistry throughout the opening weeks of the campaign.

Indeed, the captain’s 92nd-minute goal against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League emphasised his continued importance to the champions after years of exceptional service.

On the other hand, van Dijk’s performances are being affected by his teammates, as the Reds have conceded nine goals in their opening seven league fixtures, whereas they conceded only twice at this stage last term.

Van Dijk is Liverpool’s leader and has ensured his name will be in the conversation among Premier League greats when he hangs up his boots, and Slot will be confident his blip in form will soon subside.

Mohamed Salah believes in Virgil van Dijk

Mohamed Salah is one of many Liverpool players from last year’s title-winning side who has failed to replicate his usual high standards.

The influx of summer additions, while necessary, have temporarily disrupted the balance of the squad but once the players click, the supporters are confident that the Reds can be a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League.

And the Egyptian believes his captain will still play a pivotal role in Liverpool’s future success as Salah backed van Dijk to deliver more silverware this season.

“Our captain. He will probably lead us to the Champions League and Premier League again.”