"Best centre-back I’ve seen in my lifetime" - Jonathan Woodgate on Virgil van Dijk

Former professional footballer Jonathan Woodgate has labelled Virgil van Dijk as the best centre-back he has ever seen.

There is no denying that the Dutchman has been a colossus for Liverpool. Van Dijk, who has made 178 appearances for the club's first-team, has won five major trophies with the Reds.

The 30-year-old was also the runner-up for the Ballon d'Or back in 2019, which provides an insight into how well he has performed at certain times for Liverpool.

Therefore, we weren't surprised to hear Woodgate speak so positively about Van Dijk.

As quoted by Anfield Watch on Twitter, he told the Mirror the following: "I think he’s the best centre-back I’ve seen in my lifetime. He’s incredible. He’s an incredible player. The best I’ve seen.

"I think (Real Madrid's Karim) Benzema is on something ridiculous like 43 goals for the season and he will need to be at his best against Van Dijk (in the upcoming Champions League final).

"You play against a centre-back like Van Dijk, and he just has everything. Everything you’d want in a centre-back. If you could create a centre-back and say this is what I’d want him to look like – Virgil van Dijk is that player.

"If Liverpool lose him, he is irreplaceable. He’s the most important player in that Liverpool team. Playing against Benzema is tough, but playing against Van Dijk is on another planet. He’s just outrageously good."

Anfield Watch Verdict

We completely agree with Woodgate that Van Dijk is an elite footballer. We also agree with his take that the Dutchman will have to play well to stop Benzema in the Champions League final.

The striker has scored 43 goals in 43 appearances this season. But, because of how good Van Dijk is, we are confident that he will be able to stop the Frenchman on the night.

The final will take place on the 28th of May in Paris.