Antonio Rudiger names the top three defenders in the world

In a conversation on The Inside Scoop, Rudiger highlighted Van Dijk, along with Arsenal’s William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, as the best in the position, aside from himself.

“Virgil is Virgil, you know,” Rudiger said. “You have to give him the props because he changed Liverpool, to be very honest. Before, they were leaking goals left and right.”

Rudiger commended Van Dijk’s resilience, especially after bouncing back from a significant injury that raised doubts about his long-term future.

“He came back from a big injury that can change careers. People said he’s done. No, he’s not done. He is there. He is a top, top defender.”

Meanwhile he praised Gabriel for his vocal leadership of the defensive line. Rudiger also spoke about Saliba’s playing style as a reason why he has been so impressed with the Gunners’ duo.

“Saliba and I like Gabriel from Arsenal as well. “If you see Arsenal, like the two centre backs who are playing together, they are doing since two years now, they’re doing an amazing job,” Rudiger told the Inside Scoop podcast.

“Like the transformation from Arsenal, that was a bit before and now, and those two are the pillar of it. You have with Gabriel the more aggressive leader and for example Saliba is, this brother plays clean. No, really, you have to give it to him. You know, he looks like a silent leader.”

Since joining Liverpool for £75 million from Southampton in January 2018, Van Dijk has had a transformative effect on the team, playing a major role in their Premier League and Champions League triumphs.

Arsenal supporters were elated to discover that one of Europe’s best defenders rates their centre-back duo so highly.

One wrote: “From a Top five defender, elite must recognise elite”. Another added: “Others see dark arts, Rudiger sees a leader and a clean man”.

And a third joked: “Always loved Rudiger”.