Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been praised by a former teammate-turned opponent. The Reds are currently sweating over the future of the centre-back, who is in the last year of his contract

 

 

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster has hailed Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk as the greatest defender of all time during his podcast. Foster, who played for Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion and Watford, couldn’t help but admire the Dutch centre-back. “At the peak of his career,

 

 

when he first signed for Liverpool… he was the best defender ever,” enthused Foster. Shane Long, who played alongside Van Dijk at Southampton and faced him as an opponent, also praised the Liverpool player’s technical ability. He has long admired Van Dijk’s technique, saying: “Virgin used to hit the ball over the wall and into it, it was unbelievable. I don’t know how he did it before.”

 

Reflecting on his eight years at Saints, Long added: “He was quick, good on the ball and dominant in the air as well. I knew we wouldn’t have him for long!

 

The Irish forward also shared his strategy when facing Van Dijk, choosing to avoid him: “I play him and always try to face the other centre-back… He has everything, strong as a cow, good at blocking. In the air, but he’s very quick and has no real weaknesses in his game.”

 

Finally, Long compared Van Dijk to Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany, but suggested that the physicality of defenders is easier to deal with than the player’s calm demeanour: “I don’t mind strong people. [Nemanja] Vidic, guys who will destroy.” The 33-year-old Dutch defender is coming to the end of his current contract at Anfield, which expires after the 2024/25 season. As he approaches his 34th birthday next summer, Liverpool’s board faces a crucial decision: offer him a new contract, allow him to sign a pre-contract or become a free agent.

 

Despite being close to 35, Van Dijk is still considered one of the best defenders in the world. He played a key role in Arne Slot’s side’s win at the San Siro on Tuesday night. His 41st-minute header gave Liverpool the lead in northern Italy, despite an early setback when they conceded just three minutes into the game.