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Italian football legend Marco Materazzi gave his thoughts on the world's best defender to Rio Ferdinand(Image: Rio Ferdinand Presents)

Marco Materazzi has hailed Virgil van Dijk as the best defender in the world today.

For me, it’s very important.”

But despite all of his praise, the 51-year-old named his own idol and former international team-mate - AC Milan and Lazio icon Alessandro Nesta - as a better centre-back than Van Dijk.



Virgil van Dijk has been singled out as the best defender in football today(Image: Getty Images)

Materazzi revealed: “I had one idol.

Nesta was, for me, the best when I was 21 years old.

I had an [emotional] problem with him, because in my opinion he was one of the best.”

When quizzed by Ferdinand on whether Nesta would be the best defender in today's game and if he was better than Van Dijk and Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger, Materazzi replied: “I think so.

Paolo Maldini too but, for me, Nesta [by] a little bit [was better than Maldini].”

Van Dijk being mentioned in the same bracket as legendary World Cup and Champions League winners is indicative of the level he has reached in football.

Since his Liverpool transfer from Southampton in 2018, Van Dijk's name has become world-renowned for his deceptive pace, defensive prowess, leadership, expert tackling and ball-playing ability.

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Now in his eighth season at Liverpool, and having taken over as captain last year, Van Dijk is poised to lift another Premier League title, adding to his already impressive collection that includes FA Cup, EFL Cup, Champions League, and FIFA Club World Cup winner's medals.

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