Jamie Carragher has named Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk as one of the top three players in the Premier League and says the centre-back is "amazing" despite his struggles so far this season.
Van Dijk has been a transformative figure for manager Jurgen Klopp since signing from Southampton for a then world-record price for a defender of £75m in January 2018, helping the Reds secure Champions League, Premier League, League Cup and FA Cup glory.
However, despite returning from a lengthy ACL injury last July and enjoying a fine individual campaign as Klopp's side came within a whisker of winning the quadruple, the Holland international has struggled for form so far this season as Liverpool's Premier League campaign has started in underwhelming fashion.
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After conceding three goals during Sunday's controversial 3-2 defeat at Arsenal and during the 3-3 draw at home to Brighton the weekend before, the Reds' defensive struggles continue to be highlighted. Van Dijk and hi team-mates have shipped 12 goals in just eight league games this term.
But despite Liverpool's collective woes, Carragher still believes the 31-year-old is the best centre-half in the division and ultimately named him as one of the top three players in the Premier League.
"Kevin De Bruyne has been the best player in the league for four or five years," said Anfield legend Carragher, when asked by presenter Dave Jones for his top three Premier League players during Monday Night Football on Sky Sports. "You have got to say (Erling) Haaland now because he is an absolute superstar, and despite his form this season, I will say Virgil Van Dijk because he has been amazing over the last four or five years because he has transformed Liverpool from when he came in to where they are now.
Meanwhile, Roy Keane, who was also guest on Monday Night Football, failed to name any of Klopp's squad in his top three. Instead opting for De Bruyne, Haaland and Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who has just one Premier League goal to his name this season.
"De Bruyne, Haaland, and Ronaldo," said United great Keane. "De Bruyne when he plays in midfield week in, week out, he is consistent and brilliant to watch.
"You see what Haaland has done since his move to the Premier League and amazing what he can achieve over the next few years of playing at City and under Pep (Guardiola). And you have to give Ronaldo credit for scoring his 700th career goal, amazing."
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