Jaap Stam has claimed Virgil van Dijk has the benefit of being surrounded by great teammates which has helped propel him to the next level.
The Liverpool star is regarded among the top defenders in world football following his performances over the last three seasons.
Van Dijk's presence in the Reds' team has helped them become a more solid defensive unit, earning them significant success on the way.
The Dutchman himself has been celebrated individually, winning the PFA Player of the Year in the 2018/19 season, and finishing runner-up in FIFA's Best Player and the Ballon d'Or awards to Lionel Messi.
Yet despite praising van Dijk's notable qualities, Stam also gave a nod to his Liverpool colleagues.
"Virgil has been very good," Stam said to Goal. "But the thing that people don’t always understand is that the team-mates you have around you make you very good as well.
"As a player you need to have the ability and the quality to get to the top and that’s what he has, but having quality people around you sometimes makes life a little bit easier for you as well and it makes you look like you are one of the best in the world.
“That was the same for myself and for other good centre-backs. That’s how it goes in football."
The arrival of goalkeeper Alisson and defensive midfielder Fabinho have certainly eased the burden on van Dijk, while Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold have developed reputations as two of the best full-backs in world football.
Jurgen Klopp has chopped and changed with partners for van Dijk at centre-back, but Joel Matip and Joe Gomez have been equally impressive when called upon.
Stam explained how playing alongside these players, as well as coming up against opponents at the top level, would only help van Dijk improve, but insisted he must do it "year in year out" to be considered "one of the greats".
However Stam also took nothing away from the 28-year-old, who has had to battle his way from playing at Celtic to the Premier League, as well as justify his £75million price tag.
"Virgil is one of the best in the world right now," Stam added. "He’s been doing great and his route from Scotland, to Southampton and then to Liverpool has been ideal for him.
"I think he’s adjusted to every level and that tells you something about his mentality as well."
