Virgil van Dijk has hailed Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva as among the world's best defenders.
The Liverpool centre-back is seen by many as the finest player currently playing his position.
However, he's been quizzed on who he thinks is alongside him in the top bracket of defenders.
Spanish trio Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos and Aymeric Laporte were all namechecked, but he also highlighted Chelsea's duo.
Silva and Rudiger have been crucial to Thomas Tuchel's impact at Stamford Bridge, forming an impressive foundation at the back.
The former continues to defy his 37 years with his performances having moved to west London from PSG last year.
Rudiger, meanwhile, has made himself a regular and bounced back impressively from time on the sidelines, something Van Dijk was keen to point out.
"There’s so many good defenders out there," the Dutchman told Sky Sports .
"The old guys, Sergio Ramos, Thiago Silva, Gerard Pique. The game has evolved and defending is different.
"If you look at Laporte and Rudiger. I think he had a fantastic season last year and the way he came back from a knee injury, I have even more respect for him now."
Rudiger is currently in the midst of deciding where his future lies.
Interest is mounting from the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid as the German's contract winds down.
Rudiger, 28, has reportedly turned down Chelsea's first offer as he eyes a bumper pay day with what is likely to be his final major contract.
Tuchel, though, remains relaxed and insists the player has few reasons to seek pastures new.
He said last month: "I hope that they find a solution but it's not only between coaches and players. It's between the club and the player's agent.
Will Liverpool win the Premier League this season? Have your say in the comments section below.
"He plays excellent for a long time - very consistent [and] at a very high level. I feel him very calm, very focused and it's obviously not a distraction for him.
"I think Toni feels very, very good at Chelsea. He feels respect from his team-mates, he feels the importance he has in the team. It's well deserved because he delivers.
"He feels the love from the supporters. He plays in the strongest league in Europe and in a big club, so not many reasons to change. But it's in good hands. I'm calm and relaxed - whatever has to happen will happen."
Chelsea have the league's second-best defensive record having conceded just three times in six games.
