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Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk behind only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, says Chris Sutton

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Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in January (Picture: Getty)

Virgil van Dijk is the third best player in the world behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, according to Chris Sutton.

The Netherlands international has been an instant hit at Anfield. having transformed Liverpools defence since joining in January.

Liverpool now boast one of the best defences in the Premier League and Van Dijk has been credited with overseeing the rapid transformation.

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With the Ballon dOr awards ceremony fast approaching, Celtic legend Sutton named the player he believes is the third best in the world.

It may not be fashionable to mention a defender when you have a conversation like this, but when you look at the difference Virgil van Dijk has made to Liverpool then you can see just how good he is, Sutton told the BBC.

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There is not an attribute you need as a defender that he does not have, he is quick, strong, consistent and he does not seem to lose his concentration.

Liverpools defence has been transformed through Van Dijks influence (Picture: Getty)

He also has tremendous distribution when he is on the ball, and he reads the game so well. He has got the lot.

There will be a clamour for Eden Hazard and other attacking players, and I understand that, but Van Dijk has shown the difference a brilliant defender can make to any side.

Van Dijk will hope to lead Liverpool in a title charge this season with the Reds joint-top of the Premier League table after eight games.

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Chelsea and Manchester City have kept pace with Liverpool, and club action resumes this weekend after the international break.

Liverpool travel to Huddersfield looking for their first win four games, against a side currently sitting in the relegation zone.

Jurgen Klopps side have several injury concerns heading into the match, with Mohamed Salah, Naby Keita, Van Dijk and Sadio Mane returning from international duty with knocks.

MORE: Paul Scholes claims Manchester United have copied Liverpools mistakes

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