Julian Alvarez says Liverpool have got one of the best players in the world

Liverpool have only conceded twice in their opening six Premier League matches this season, keeping four clean sheets along the way.

At the centre of this defensive stability has been the Reds’ captain, Virgil van Dijk, who has led the side to five wins in six and currently has them sat top of the table.

Ibrahima Konate has also been impressive alongside Van Dijk, and both found their names on the score sheet against AC Milan in Liverpool’s return to the UEFA Champions League.

Despite being 33 years old, Van Dijk is proving once again why he should be considered one of the greatest in the world in his position, and now a former rival has backed him up.

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Julian Alvarez claims Van Dijk is one of the best in the world

Julian Alvarez became the most expensive signing of the summer this year when he joined Atletico Madrid for a reported €75 million and now the forward has taken a look back at some of the toughest opponents he’s had to face in his career.

“Van Dijk, because he’s very strong. He’s one of the best defenders in the world,” Alvarez told ESPN.

The 24-year-old was asked to name the three best players he had faced in his career and he did not hesitate to say Van Dijk straight away. After Van Dijk the Argentine took a little while to think before also naming Tottenham’s Christian Romero and Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez.

Before making his move to Madrid, Alvarez played for Manchester City, where he made over 100 appearances and won a number of trophies.

Van Dijk’s uncertain future

Although the Liverpool skipper has proven once again so far this season just how valuable he is to the Reds, this could be his last campaign at Anfield.

Along with Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk is out of contract in June and, unless a new deal is agreed, could leave Merseyside on a free transfer.

A number of potential replacements have been linked to Liverpool but contract negotiations are also set to take place between the club and Van Dijk in the near future.

Ibrahima Konate has put in some very impressive performances this season but the Anfield faithful will be hoping to keep hold of ‘one of the best in the world’ and will want Van Dijk to remain in Merseyside for many years to come.