Vincent Kompany has reiterated his belief that Virgil van Dijk is the greatest ever defender in Premier League history.
Last year four-time Premier League title winner Kompany, the former Manchester City captain, heaped glowing praise on the Liverpool centre-back.
The Belgian, who would also be among the competition's elite centre-halves, locked horns with the likes of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand during his City days.
But he cited the huge transformation seen on Anfield following Van Dijk's arrival in 2018 as a main reason for his decision.
And he has once again explained his reason to snub former England defenders Terry and Ferdinand.
He told BBC's Football Focus : "The reason why I said it is because Liverpool were a great team before Virgil van Dijk arrived.
"Yet they were always vulnerable. I never felt that supremacy that they showed this year.
"It's very difficult to have a player that has such a big impact at a big club.
"He has brought back old school defending with a modern twist - and I respect that.
"What he does is simple but it's so effective. It's such an art which I respect."
Van Dijk first graced the Premier League with Southampton after moving south of the border from Celtic.
He spent two-and-a-half years on the south coast before heading to Anfield.
Van Dijk helped Liverpool reach a Champions League final within six months of joining.
Although they lost in 2018 they were able to go one better in 2019 and are poised to win the Premier League title for the first time this season.
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