Paul Merson believes players in the Premier League are 'scared' of coming up against Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutchman is the reigning PFA Player of the Year and finished runner-up in last year's Ballon D'or, and has been instrumental in Liverpool’s rise to becoming one of the best sides in club world football.
But earlier this week, Van Dijk was ranked behind Brazil duo Marquinhos and Thiago Silva and Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos by Everton’s Richarlison.
"People talk a lot about him," the Blues winger said ahead of Sunday’s Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park.
"Yes he is a great defender but I’ve already dribbled past him. For me there are better defenders."
However, Merson feels that despite the Brazlian’s claims, Van Dijk installs a fear factor into opposition players who don’t believe they are capable of getting past him.
“It’s a hard one,” the former Arsenal star told Sky Sports when asked about Richarlison’s comments.
“Ramos has been around a long time - he’s scored more goals than some centre-forwards have scored in their careers.
“I think with Van Dijk, he has a reputation, people are scared of him. People don’t go past him, they square up and think, ‘Oh my god, it’s Virgil van Dijk, I can’t get past him!’.
“I think that’s the problem, he gets good cover. He’s a Rolls Royce. Is he the best in the world? I’ll have to see when the World Cup comes around and who he’s playing against.”
