Former Tottenham Hotspur forward Garth Crooks says that Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is the best centre-back in the Premier League, with the Dutchman putting in another good display for the Reds at Arsenal on Saturday.
Van Dijk was instrumental for Liverpool at both ends of the pitch during their 1-1 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday in the Premier League.
The Dutchman finished the night with the highest passing accuracy among all the players involved during the game as Liverpool dropped points for only the third time so far this campaign.
Van Dijk, who joined Liverpool in a club-record deal back in January, has substantially improved the Reds since his arrival and capped off a memorable performance against Arsenal that even saw him get close to scoring his first goal this season.
Crooks firmly believes that Van Dijk is currently the best centre-back in the Premier League following his eye-catching performance against Arsenal.
“There are some central defenders who are comfortable on the ball and some who prefer the battle. Virgil van Dijk can do both”, Crooks wrote in his column for BBC Sport.
“The Netherlands international battled like a Trojan against Arsenal, but was still capable of producing a touch of class on the ball regardless of the chaos and the pressure of the moment.
“That’s one of the reasons Liverpool are doing so well.
“Is Van Dijk now the best central defender in the Premier League? I think he is you know.”
Liverpool slipped down to third on goal difference after Chelsea took advantage of their draw with Arsenal by securing maximum points against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
