"I've played against some great defenders" - Michael Owen makes huge Virgil van Dijk claim

Van Dijk has been colossal at the back for the Reds after joining from Southampton in January 2018

Former Liverpool forward Michael Owen has branded Virgil van Dijk as the best defender he has ever seen following his old side's win over West Ham United.

Since Dijk's arrival at Anfield, Liverpool have won the Carabao Cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and their first league title for 30 years.

The Reds' 1-0 victory over West Ham on Saturday means they remain in the hunt for another Premier League.

And Owen believes that although there have been some fantastic defenders in football, Van Dijk has now established himself as the 'greatest of all time'.

"He plays in second gear and it’s too easy for him. The game is easy for him,” the former England international told Premier League Productions .

"I will go one step further. I have never ever seen, in my lifetime, I don't think I have seen a better defender. I have played against some great defenders. I don't see what he can't do.

"He is lightning fast. Brilliant on the ball. Scores goals. A beast in the air. He reads the game. A leader. I don’t know what he doesn't do.

“If I think back at all the greats, Marcel Desailly was the best defender I played against. The likes of Rio (Ferdinand) and John Terry. Real Rolls-Royce.

"Then you go into some of the best defenders. I don’t think I have seen a better defender. He could be one of the greatest of all time."