Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has named Chelsea duo Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger as two of the best defenders in the world.
Van Dijk, back in the Liverpool starting XI this season after 10 months out with a knee injury, has swiftly rediscovered the form that saw him recognised as a great defender in the Premier League.
Discussing the best defenders in the game, the Dutchman singled out some of European footballβs veteran defenders, including 37-year-old Thiago Silva.
Silva and Rudiger were picked out as two of the top defenders, with Rudiger praised by the Dutchman following his return from a knee injury.
Chelsea’s defensive record under Thomas Tuchel has been strong, going from strength to strength following several additions in the backline in recent seasons. Edouard Mendy and Ben Chilwell have bolstered the defensive line for the Blues, along with Silva who arrived from PSG in 2020.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “Thereβs so many good defenders out there. The old guys Sergio Ramos, Thiago Silva, Gerard Pique. The game has evolved and defending is different.
“If you look at (Aymeric) Laporte and (Antonio) 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.”
