Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk has named Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva as among the best defenders in world football.
Van Dijk, who is back in the Liverpool starting lineup this campaign after 10 months out with a knee injury, has rediscovered the form that saw him recognised as the best defender in England.
Discussing the best defenders in the game, the Netherlands star singled out some of European football’s veteran defenders, which included 37-year-old Silva.
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Van Dijk also praised Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte and Rudiger – impressed with how the German star has become such an important player for Chelsea after recovering from a knee injury of his own.
‘There’s so many good defenders out there,’ van Dijk told Sky Sports. ‘The old guys Sergio Ramos, Thiago Silva, Gerard Pique. The game has evolved and defending is different.
‘If you look at Laporte and Rudiger. I think he had a fantastic season last year and the way he came back from a knee injury, I have even more respect for him now.’
Liverpool are the only side still undefeated in the 2021-22 campaign ahead of their Premier League clash with Manchester City on Sunday.
Interest is mounting from clubs like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid as the German international’s contract winds down.
And Rudiger has reportedly rejected Chelsea’s first offer as he eyes a bumper pay day with what is likely to be his final big contract.
Tuchel, though, remains relaxed and says the player has few reasons to seek an exit. He said last month: “I hope that they find a solution but it’s not only between coaches and players. It’s between the club and the player’s agen
“He plays excellent for a long time – very consistent [and] at a very high level. I feel him very calm, very focused and it’s obviously not a distraction for him.
“I think Toni feels very, very good at Chelsea. He feels respect from his team-mates, he feels the importance he has in the team. It’s well deserved because he delivers.
“He feels the love from the supporters. He plays in the strongest league in Europe and in a big club, so not many reasons to change. But it’s in good hands. I’m calm and relaxed – whatever has to happen will happen.”
