Former Liverpool star Steve Nicol has hit back at Vincent Kompany's claim that Virgil van Dijk is the best centre-back in Premier League history.
Manchester City legend Kompany rated Van Dijk over the likes of John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Tony Adams, and even himself, pointing out that the Dutchman has transformed the Reds into a "completely different team".
But Nicol has suggested Kompany is getting a little carried away.
He told ESPN FC: "I think it's very difficult to turn around and say he's the best centre-back ever in the Premier League history because the problem is right now he's current and that's what Kompany's focusing on.
"I think the other thing you have to remember is that it was such an obvious problem Liverpool had, it was such a gaping hole in the back, the reason they couldn't get across the line is because they were losing goals.
"The best guy around in the Premier League at Southampton was Van Dijk and he's come in and he has been superb.
"He right now, no question, is the top centre-back in world football, never mind just in the Premier League.
"It's a short space at the very top with Liverpool, two seasons, so I'm not quite ready to say he's the best one ever. He's certainly up there in the argument but just a little early for me to be throwing that sort of accolade around."
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