Liverpool center-back Virgil van Dijk has been one of the most important figures for his team’s success in recent times.
Widely regarded as one of the finest players in the world, Van Dijk finished second to FC Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi in last year’s Ballon d’Or rankings, an unprecedented feat in the modern time for a player of his position.
He was the first defender to be in top three of Ballon d’Or since Fabio Cannavaro won the prestigious prize in 2006.
Liverpool are the team to have conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League this season which further goes on to show how pivotal the Dutchman’s presence is.
But Everton forward Richarlison, one of the very few players to have dribbled past him in the past few seasons, suggests the plaudits that Van Dijk gets are often superfluous.
“People talk a lot about him,” Richarlison said in an interview with Brazilian Youtube channel Desimpedidos. “Yes, he is a great defender, but I’ve already dribbled past him.
“He was chosen as one of the top three in the world as he had an excellent season. But yes, for me there are better defenders.
“Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, and Sergio Ramos,” the Brazilian forward replied when pressed to name three better defenders than Van Dijk.