‘Top 3 in the world’: Kevin De Bruyne raves about ‘unbelievable’ Liverpool star

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Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk is “probably top 3 in the world” for defenders, according to Kevin De Bruyne.

The Dutchman has been so good for the Reds that he has made his £75million transfer fee seem like a bargain.

It didn’t take long for Van Dijk to make his mark following his arrival to Anfield from Southampton in 2017.

He quickly transformed the then-shaky Reds defence into a solid unit en route to trophy glory.

Jurgen Klopp’s charges have won the Champions League, the Premier League and the Club World Cup thanks in part to Van Dijk’s efforts.

Last season, the 30-year-old suffered a long-term injury, and Liverpool missed him terribly as they laboured to a top-four finish.

But this term, Van Dijk is back and shining once again, with 25 appearances under his belt.

De Bruyne spoke to Rio Ferdinand on his YouTube channel and named Van Dijk in his dream five-a-side team.

Ferdinand asked the Manchester City star where the Liverpool icon ranks amongst the world’s best defenders.

“I think he’s up there,” replied De Bruyne.

“Obviously I know Virgil a little bit personally, but I think he was unbelievable before his injury and came back to a really high level.

“He’s probably top 3 in the world with Ruben (Dias) and some other players.”

Van Dijk’s transfer fee at the time raised eyebrows amongst some rivals, pundits and even Liverpool fans.

After all, £75million for a centre-back was previously unheard of, and Van Dijk was coming from a modest Premier League side.

But a bona fide trophy-winning outfit needs a solid defence, and the Van Dijk effect on the Liverpool back-line – indeed, the whole team – was worth every penny.