'He’s been crazy': Rio Ferdinand is at a loss for words over 'immense' Liverpool star

Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk had Rio Ferdinand at a loss for words on his FIVE podcast when discussing Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos and who is the best centre back in the world.

Ferdinand said: “When [Van Dijk’s] fit, over the last couple of years he’s been the go-to guy.

“He had the biggest impact on a team, certainly in terms of centre-backs, over probably the last three years.

“Varane I would say is up there. Him and Varane, [Sergio] Ramos in previous years, as well, they have been the top boys. It’s that consistency and the ability to win.

“Varane is unrivalled alongside Ramos in terms of winning, but with the way his form has been over the last three years, van Dijk has been immense, man, he’s been crazy.”

Liverpool are blessed to have a player as talented as van Dijk and it says a lot that a centre back as distinguished and successful as Ferdinand is as taken by him as he is.

While a lot can happen between now and the end of the season in terms of injuries for the Reds and their rivals, if Jurgen Klopp and his staff can keep the Dutchman fit, I believe they have an edge over their rivals.

The untold story of last season was that the Reds couldn't take their chances in front of goal but the knock-on effect that having van Dijk fit would have had cannot be overstated.

Fortunately, despite dislocating his finger and being on the receiving end of a poor challenge from a Turkey player, van Dijk has escaped injury on international duty and will be fit to face Leeds on Sunday.

His presence at the back is so important and it's been covered by so many writers over the last 11 months I don't think I need to go into much more detail.