Everton striker Richarlison has been warned he has made Virgil van Dijk "mad" after his comments about the Liverpool centre-back.
Richarlison prompted intrigue earlier this week when he declared Van Dijk was not among the three best defenders in the world.
Van Dijk, who is the reigning PFA Player of the Year and finished runner-up in last year's Ballon D'or, was ranked behind Brazil duo Marquinhos and Thiago Silva and Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos.
"People talk a lot about him," said Richarlison.
"Yes he is a great defender but I’ve already dribbled past him. For me there are better defenders."
The pair will go head to head when the Merseyside rivals resume their Premier League campaign when facing each other in the 236th Merseyside derby at Goodison on Sunday evening.
And, writing on Instagram, former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique believes Richarlison may have made a mistake.
"Richarlison an advice for next time," he said. "Speak after the game mate now you got vvd mad. Let's see what happens. Come on reds!!"
Liverpool can move within one win of claiming the Premier League title should they beat Everton on Sunday.
