Even though the opinion of some players-turned-pundits are sensible, there will always be fans who disagree. However, most Liverpool fans will agree with this assertion from former Bayern Munich defender, Daniel Van Buyten.
Though not the the most famous defender to play for the Bavarian giants, Daniel Van Buyten is a Champions League winner, collecting the winner’s medal in 2013.
He made 158 appearances for Bayern Munich and amassed 83 caps for Belgium.
During an appearance on Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE on YouTube, Van Buyten spoke of a former Ballon d’Or nominee from Liverpool who, according to Van Buyten, was the world’s best for 2-3 years.
“I think for two or three years [Virgil] Van Dijk was for me the number one,” said Van Buyten when asked who the best defender in the world is. Indeed, Van Dijk was one of the seven Liverpool players nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 2019.
The colossal Liverpool center back finished second, a mere seven votes behind winner Lionel Messi.
Van Buyten went on to explain why he thought there are other defenders today who are classed as the best in the world.
“But the last season I think he was a little bit more down. [William] Saliba had a very good season.
“And [Antonio] Rudiger is hard, maybe a little bit crazy, but he did a good job.”
Despite van Buyten’s assertions, van Dijk performed well during Jurgen Klopp’s last season with Liverpool, scoring the winning goal during the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea when many commented that he was back to his best.
Van Dijk, who said he is unfazed by critics, may change Van Buyten’s mind if he wins the UEFA Euros 2024 with The Netherlands and leads Arne Slot’s Liverpool’s team to success during the coach’s tenure.
Van Dijk was the first Liverpool player Arne Slot called following his appointment, suggesting that he is part of the new gaffer’s plans.
Pepe, Portugal’s fiery center back, is still playing at the top level in his early 40s. On that evidence, Van Dijk can potentially keep playing at a high level for several more years.
