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Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster reckons Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk was the best defender in history when at his peak.
Van Dijk has spent five years at Anfield and in that time has become a hero for the Merseysiders. The Dutch international has made 229 appearances across competitions, chipping in with 33 goal contributions. He was key when his club ended a 30-year wait for the Premier League title in 2020, helping the side keep 13 clean sheets in 38 league games.
The Netherlands captain was appointed Liverpool skipper by Jurgen Klopp in the summer. He also has the UEFA Champions League, the FA Cup, and League Cup on his impressive list of accomplishments.
Foster has lavished massive praise on Van Dijk by insisting that he was the best defender in history when he was at his peak. The former Red Devils goalkeeper said (via The Anfield Talk):
"Van Dijk, at his peak, is the best defender that has ever lived. When Liverpool are winning the UCL and Premier League, Virgil is the number one. People have just got short memories and the cruciate ligament injury has probably taken a yard of pace off him.”
It's fair to say that Van Dijk has come off the boil since rupturing his ACL towards the end of 2020. However, he is still a colossus at the back for Klopp's side, putting in consistent performances.
Foster's claim means he views him as a superior defender to the likes of Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, Franz Beckenbauer, and Cafu. That is some praise for the Liverpool captain.
Van Dijk played a role in convincing Ryan Gravenberch on a move to Liverpool
The Dutch center-back was joined at Anfield by his Netherlands teammate Ryan Gravenberch in the summer. The 21-year-old joined Klopp's side from Bayern Munich for £35 million.
Gravenberch has impressed at the early stages of his Reds career with one goal and two assists in seven games across competitions. He's revealed that Van Dijk had spoken to him about the Merseyside giants before his arrival (via Sky Sports):
"I spoke a little bit with Virg and he said ‘Liverpool are a top club. You’re going to play for sure'. He said things to me and also that gave me a good feeling to come here.”
The young Dutch midfielder endured a frustrating spell at Bayern prior to his transfer. He lacked game time, unable to displace the likes of Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka in Thomas Tuchel's midfield.
However, Klopp has handed him a prominent role in his side so far this season. He signed a five-year contract when making the move to Anfield.
