Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is the best defender in the world and has the whole package one would want in a player in his position.
That’s according to Manchester United icon Jaap Stam, who has hailed Van Dijk today to Algemeen Dagblad, [relayed by Voetbal Primeur.](https://www.voetbalprimeur.nl/nieuws/1691074/jaap-staam-prijst-virgil-van-dijk-en-andere-nederlanders-in-de-premier-league.html)
Stam was once considered one of the best defenders in world football himself in the middle of a superb playing career that saw him starring for the likes of PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, Lazio, AC Milan and Ajax.
He won trophies with all of those clubs, winning the Eredivisie, three Premier League titles, and Italian cups as well as the Champions League at Old Trafford in 1999.
He was also the winner of the Dutch Football of the Year award in 1997, UEFA’s Defence of the Year in 1999 and 2000 and the PFA Team of the Year three years running in 1999, 2000 and 2001.
It means he knows a good defender when he sees one and the Liverpool star, who is also captain for the Netherlands, is currently at the top of his list after winning Two Premier League titles, the Champions League and various other titles at Anfield as well Dutch Player of the Year in 2018, PFA Player of the Year in 2019 and various other individual awards.
“I think Virgil is the best defender in the world,” he said of the Liverpool defender.
“Nobody’s perfect, but with his charisma, physique, heading ability, passing ability, and leadership skills, he has the whole package.
“In one-on-one situations, Virgil has only gotten better. He’s the complete defender if you look at what the future demands of a defender.”