)
Liverpool and Netherlands captain Virgil Van Dijk has opened up on his pick for the greatest defender of all time.
Van Dijk is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in football history.
The Liverpool man transformed the club after arriving in January 2018, finishing second in the 2019 Ballon d'Or behind Lionel Messi.
Van Dijk, 32, has opened up about his love for the legendary Italian defenders of old while ranking Alessandro Nesta ahead of everyone.
)
14:50 - 27.06.2024
End of an Era: Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo fails to find the net in group stage for the first time
Cristian Ronaldo's run of scoring in the group stages of international competitions has ended at the EURO 2024.
Van Dijk calls Nesta the greatest defender
Speaking from the Dutch training camp, Van Dijk gave an interview to TMW (via Tribuna)
“I loved both Nesta and Maldini. When you talk about Nesta, you mean elegance. He made everything seem so simple. Watching Alessandro’s play was like watching Roger Federer,” he said.
)
)
“Players like him showed us, defenders, the way to go. I respect him a lot, as I do all the other Milan defenders, who won European competitions at that time.
"I learned a lot from each of them. Everyone has their own opinion, but in my opinion, Nesta was the greatest Italian defender.”
Related content
)
09:51 - 23.04.2024
No space for Messi as Kaká names best 11 including teammates and opponents
Despite winning eight ballon d’Ors, Lionel Messi was a notable absentee from Kaká’s Ultimate XI.
)
11:13 - 07.04.2024
Why Italy legend Paolo Maldini's son could play for Venezuela
Daniel Maldini, son of legendary Italy and AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini could make a shocking international move
)
15:47 - 06.04.2024
Salah or Van Dijk: Liverpool legend picks the Reds’ most valuable player
Steve Nicol has chosen which star player Liverpool should let go in the summer if necessary.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)