Virgil van Dijk has already surpassed the high bar set by former Manchester United skipper Rio Ferdinand, according to Kevin Kilbane.
The Netherlands captain has been a revelation at Anfield by playing a titanic part in turning Liverpool into title challengers.
Comparisons have come from all over the place since the £75million man; there’s been suggestions van Dijk is similar to Barcelona ace Carles Puyol and even more outlandish suggestions of Italy legend Paolo Maldini.
Not just yet!
But the focus has now shifted closer to home and certain pundits are comparing van Dijk to the likes of John Terry, Alan Hansen and now Ferdinand.
“He’s going into the territory of the being the best defender I’ve seen live,” Kilbane told Irish radio station Newstalk – as per the Sport Review.
“Liverpool have had Hansen but Van Dijk controls the game from his position. It’s amazing to see him.
“I think he’s getting into that territory along with top defenders like Rio Ferdinand and John Terry. Van Dijk has more to his game than Ferdinand.
“He is a better passer, he is more aggressive when he needs to be and he has that calm streak about him. Potentially, he’ll be better than Ferdinand.”
It feels strange to agree with a former Everton player speaking about a Liverpool man – they’re usually a bit more bitter! I’m sure Kilbane’s comments will ruffle a few blue feathers on Merseyside.