While Van Dijk’s form has dipped this season, he is still widely considered one of the best centre-backs in the world.
He has played a massive role in turning Liverpool from a top four team into Premier League and Champions League winners over the last few years.
The Dutchman has been a talismanic presence at the back for the Merseyside giants and has many admirers in the game.
And one of them is one of the true blue defensive legends in Baresi, who was a rock at the back for Italy and Serie A giants AC Milan during his playing years.
He revealed that apart from Marquinhos, he loves Van Dijk and was impressed with his physical and defensive skills in the season where he came close to winning the Ballon d’Or.
Baresi told French sports daily L’Equipe: “Marquinhos and Van Dijk.
“With his power and skills, the Dutchman really impressed me in the season where he was close to getting the Ballon d’Or.”
With Liverpool struggling this season, fans will hope Van Dijk can reproduce some of the old magic to get them fighting again in the latter half of the campaign.
