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Former Premier League star Dirk Kuyt recently came out in support of Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk. The 43-year-old insisted that van Dijk is still one of the best defenders in the world despite the criticism directed at him in recent times.
Van Dijk made Liverpool's defense almost invincible after arriving at Anfield from Southampton in a deal worth £75 million back in January 2018. The defender was influential as the Reds claimed the Champions League, the Premier League, and other honors in the following years with his amazing leadership and rock-solid performance at the heart of the defense.
However, he couldn't prevent Jurgen Klopp's men from enduring a poor outing last season. The center-back struggled with an injury and inconsistency during the term as the Reds finished fifth in the Premier League. This gave room to critics to start coming at him both at club and national levels and Dirk Kuyt isn't impressed.
The former Liverpool star claimed that critics are wrong about Virgil van Dijk while maintaining that the 32-year-old remains one of the best players in the world in his position.
“What Virgil has done for Liverpool is amazing,” Kuyt said during an interview with The Athletic. "He’s had his critics, not only here but also in Holland, but for me he’s still one of the best defenders in the world."
"People forget sometimes that it’s not easy to come back from such a serious injury, especially when the team is not performing the way they did before. It’s been the same for the national team, but I’ve watched every Liverpool game this season and he’s done very well," the Dutchman added.
Virgil van Dijk has indeed been reborn this term. The defender has represented Jurgen Klopp's side in eight games across all competitions so far this season, recording two assists to his name. He's also helped them keep three clean sheets.
Liverpool set for Europa League showdown with Toulouse
The Reds are currently gearing up for their third Europa League clash of the season coming up this week. They're scheduled to take on French outfit Toulouse at Anfield on Thursday.
Jurgen Klopp's men have started on the front foot in the competition, winning their first two fixtures. They defeated LASK 3-1 in their opening game and followed it up with a 2-0 win over Union Saint-Gilloise.
In the Premier League, meanwhile, the Reds occupy fourth position in the table with 20 points from nine games. They've recorded six victories, two draws and one defeat in the English top flight.
