Andy Robertson believes Virgil van Dijk is currently the world’s best defender.
Van Dijk continues to prove an imposing presence as Liverpool aim to secure potential first Premier League title since 1990 in their remaining 10 games.
The Holland captain scored a quick-fire brace in Wednesday’s 5-0 demolition of Watford while ensuring the Reds kept their 16th clean sheet of the season.
And Robertson believes that no one can presently rival Van Dijk at centre-back.
“He makes my life easier, that’s for sure. To have him next to me it makes everything so much easier,” said Robertson.
“When somebody is running at you and you know Virgil is inside – he’s rarely out of position, if ever. For me, he’s the best centre-back just now in the world.
“That’s the way he’s playing and the confidence he’s got. And he’s still young enough that he can get even better. He works hard every day.
“Probably the only disappointment for him is that he hasn’t chipped in with enough goals.
“For the size of him, he’s a threat in both boxes and [against Watford] he scored two fantastic headers but more importantly defensively he was sound.
“Him and Joel (Matip) did fantastic to keep the clean sheet because they hit us on the counter attack a few times in the first half and those two mopped up in a tough task against Troy Deeney.
“Not many people bully him but I thought Virgil dominated him all game.”
Beyond the title, Van Dijk is also being touted as an outstanding candidate for the PFA Player of the Year award currently held by teammate Mohamed Salah.
Robertson has added his backing to the 27-year-old’s bid to become the first defender to win the accolade since Chelsea’s John Terry in 2004/05.
He added: “If the season ended now, I would give him it personally.
“There’s still ten games to go. Somebody can step up from another team. But Virgil can take it to a whole new level, I reckon. He’s so consistent as well.
“If he puts the performances in during the last ten games as he has done, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t have that trophy.
“I don’t think he’ll be focusing on that, he’ll be focusing on the team. It’s always nice to get end of season awards and I’m sure he’ll be in the running.
“It will be close if he doesn’t win it.”