Ferdinand is one of many admirers of the Liverpool centre half
As one of the finest defenders of his generation, Rio Ferdinand is as well qualified as anyone else to pass judgement on just how good Virgil van Dijk is.
Ferdinand was often a thorn in the sides of Liverpool, and their supporters, with solid defence and a few crucial goals when he ventured past the halfway line.
The former Manchester United centre half was recently in Bavaria with BT Sport as the Dutchman and his Liverpool teammates defeated Bayern Munich in the Champions League last 16s.
Asked by host Gary Lineker if Van Dijk is currently the best in the world in his position, Ferdinand didn't hesitate:
"At the moment, yeah," he said. "I think there's times in your career as a footballer where you go, 'It's impossible for anyone to beat me'. I think he's at that point in his career now."
Lineker then asking if Ferdinand had ever felt that way, the former England international responded: "For about 10 years," bringing laughter from all those in the studio.
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Van Dijk was absent through injury for the first leg of the last 16 game at Anfield last month, where Bayern stifled Liverpool, holding them to a 0-0 draw.
He was a towering presence in defence at the Allianz Arena, in the second leg, and was also on the scoresheet as the Reds marched on.
