Liverpool and Netherlands stalwart Virgil van Dijk clearly shares a similar view to those at the top of the Manchester United hierarchy when it comes to his international team-mate Frenkie de Jong.
United have long been admirers of the Barcelona midfielder and spent the entirety of the summer transfer window desperately trying to persuade De Jong into making the move to Old Trafford. However, the deal failed to materialise - despite the fact that at one point the two clubs had reportedly agreed a transfer fee.
Erik ten Hag and co. may have been left kicking themselves after watching De Jong pull the strings in the Netherlands' opening World Cup group stage game against Senegal. The 25-year-old assisted the game's opening goal, delivering a delightful in-swinging cross onto the head of in-form forward Cody Gakpo.
There was very little Senegal's defence could do to try and cut out the pass, though goalkeeper Edouard Mendy may not wish to watch the moment back in a hurry.
De Jong's brilliance will not come as a surprise to team-mate Van Dijk, as the central defender recently sung the praises of his fellow Dutchman. Pressed for comment on who the best player he has ever played with at international level, he replied: "For the national team, I’d say Frenkie de Jong, who is really good."
At the time, it sparked a plethora of reports that Liverpool would join the race for De Jong's signature, but his reluctance to leave the Camp Nou has quelled any talk of an imminent exit.
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Not only did De Jong appear desperate to stay at Barcelona, he seemed particularly opposed to the idea of joining United. There was a lot of speculation over the midfielder's future, with fellow Premier League giants Chelsea also thought to be keen on the idea of landing his signature.
The interest was reportedly mutual, with De Jong allegedly favouring a Stamford Bridge switch - snubbing a reunion with former Ajax boss Ten Hag at United in the process.
Some may have questioned De Jong's talent level over the summer given his time at Barcelona has been anything but smooth-sailing.
However, his performances in Qatar could go some way to silencing his remaining doubters.
De Jong has four years remaining on his contract at the Camp Nou but if last summer's saga is anything to go by, Barcelona could be tempted into parting ways with the Netherlands international should a sizeable offer come in from the 'right' club.
The World Cup could serve as the perfect platform for De Jong to put himself in the shop window amid Van Dijk's glowing review.
