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Liverpool have the best defence in the Premier League this season as they aim to lift the title in May.

The Reds have been built on solid foundations under Arne Slot, having conceded 20 goals in 22 matches.

Key to everything has been captain Virgil van Dijk, who is still rightly regarded as one of the best defenders in world football.

While Van Dijk is perfect most of the time, though, he does have the odd lapse in concentration in him.

As it turns out, though, the New Zealander also hold a slightly surprise former Liverpool centre-back in equally high regard.

Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Wood has been one of the most lethal strikers in the Premier League this season.

Wood has simply been on fire.

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That has not always been the case, though.

After a slightly nomadic career in England, the 33-year-old has faced all kinds of defenders, and has often come out second best.

And according to the man himself, one player who always gave him a tough time was former Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel.

READ MORE: Lucas Leiva and Martin Skrtel name their joint all-time Liverpool five-a-side team

“I always say Van Dijk at the moment is the best defender you’d come against,” Wood says after being asked to name the most difficult player he’s ever faced.

He was one of those defenders that just never let you rest, always pinching you and prodding you and just being on your nerves.”

“I think he kind of put strikers off a bit, he was one of the tougher ones and he got stuck in.”

Although Skrtel ended up playing 320 games for Liverpool, there is a feeling that he is perhaps slightly underrated by the fanbase.

Perhaps it’s because he didn’t really win anything of note with the Reds, or maybe it’s because he ultimately ended up falling out with Jurgen Klopp.

NameMartin SkrtelYears Playing For LiverpoolJan 2008 – July 2016LFC Appearances320LFC Goals18Trophies WonLeague Cup 2012

But, whatever the reason, Wood’s words are a reminder that Skrtel was a very good defender on his day.

Whether partnered with Daniel Agger, Sami Hyypia, Jamie Carragher or Mamadou Sakho, the Slovakian was one of the best defenders around on his day.

Unfortunately, if Skrtel was having an off-day, then he could also look like a player who should be nowhere near the Liverpool squad.