Alessandro Nesta believes Arne Slot currently has a player at Liverpool who is the best in the world at his position.
Virgil van Dijk has unquestionably been one of Liverpool’s most vital players over the last several years, playing a central role in the Reds’ domestic and European successes.
Without the Dutch defender, it’s difficult to imagine whether Liverpool would have secured the Premier League title in 2024-25 or lifted the Champions League in recent seasons. His presence at the heart of the defence has consistently strengthened Liverpool, giving the team confidence and stability at the back.
Since his arrival from Southampton in January 2018, the Dutchman has transformed Liverpool’s backline.
While the performances of Mohamed Salah and other attacking stars often grab the headlines, Van Dijk’s influence is more subtle yet no less crucial.
The 33-year-old’s ability to improve the performance of anyone playing alongside him underscores just how important he is to the team. Over the years, many defenders have tried to claim the mantle of the world’s best centre-back, but Van Dijk continues to cement his status as Liverpool’s defensive cornerstone.
Now, one of football’s greatest defenders, AC Milan and Italy legend Alessandro Nesta, has added his voice to the chorus of admiration for Van Dijk. Speaking to GOAL, Nesta did not hesitate to call the Liverpool captain the finest centre-back in world football today.
“For me now, Van Dijk is the best [centre-back in the world],” Nesta said.
“[He’s] the best because he performs every year at the same level, he plays in the Premier League, the biggest league in the world for me, and the toughest. For me, he’s the best.”
Nesta’s praise carries significant weight. The Italian defender, who played a key role in Milan’s dominance during the early 2000s, won two Champions League titles with the Rossoneri and lifted the 2006 World Cup with Italy. His recognition of Van Dijk places the Dutchman among the elite defenders in football history.
Van Dijk’s impact at Liverpool goes beyond individual accolades.
He has made 329 appearances for the club, scored 29 goals, and lifted eight major trophies, including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup. He also became the first Dutchman to captain a side to a Premier League title when Liverpool were crowned champions in 2024-25.
The Reds are currently navigating a transitional period in defence, with the summer arrivals of Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez reshaping the backline.
While chemistry is still developing among the new-look defenders, Van Dijk’s leadership remains a constant. He continues to be a key figure in critical moments, as exemplified by his dramatic 92nd-minute goal against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, proving that he is just as influential on the pitch as ever.
As Alessandro Nesta highlights, Van Dijk’s consistency and ability to perform at the highest level year after year make him a standout in world football. Even in a league as competitive as the Premier League, The Reds captain has maintained his status as a world-class centre-back, combining tactical intelligence, physical presence, and an uncanny ability to marshal those around him.
For Liverpool fans, there is reassurance in knowing that despite the team’s recent challenges, their captain remains among the very best in the world. Van Dijk’s name will undoubtedly be remembered among the Premier League’s defensive greats long after he hangs up his boots, and Nesta’s endorsement only reinforces that legacy.
