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There is no doubting that Virgil van Dijk has transformed Liverpool's defence.

For years, the back line was the Reds' Achilles heel, but since the Dutchman's arrival in January the team have hugely improved.

The centre-back's confidence and leadership has been second to none, and his performances have caught the eye of fans and pundits alike.

Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton has suggested that Van Dijk is the third-best footballer on the planet.

In a piece for BBC Sport various pundits were asked who they regard as third in the list, assuming that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the top two.

The feature relates to the recent Ballon d'Or nominations, of which the winner will be announced in December.

In the article, Sutton said:

"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.

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

Van Dijk has proven that he is up there with the best defenders in the world, but is it fair to suggest that he is in the same category as Ronaldo and Messi?

Let us know by voting below.

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