Van Dijk a dream for Andy

ROCK SOLID: Van Dijk ANDY ROBERTSON has hailed Virgil van Dijk as the best centre-back on the planet.

And the Liverpool full-back reckons his defensive partner is leading the race to be named PFA Player of the Year.

Van Dijk has been the rock that leaders Liverpool have built their title challenge on this season as the £75m Dutchman continues to shine for the Reds.

He helped Jurgen Klopp’s side claim their 16th clean sheet in the Premier League this season as they walloped Watford on Wednesday night.

And he also chipped in with two goals in the 5-0 win at Anfield to take his tally for the season to three.

“To have him next to me makes everything so much easier,” said Robertson.

“For me, he’s the best centre-back just now in the world.

“That’s the way he’s playing and the confidence he’s got. And he’s still young enough that he can get even better.

“Probably the only disappointment for him is that he hasn’t chipped in with enough goals.

“For the size of him he’s a threat in both boxes and against Watford he scored two fantastic headers.

“But more importantly, defensively he was sound.”

The end-of-season honours usually go to star names playing further up the pitch. Heung-min Son, Eden Hazard, Raheem Sterling and Fernandinho are expected to be among those tussling for the PFA award this season.

But Robertson is sure Van Dijk is the leading contender to succeed Reds team-mate Mohamed Salah, who won it last term.

“If the season ended tonight, I would give him it personally,” he said.

Robertson is enjoying another impressive season at Anfield ahead of Sunday’s trip to Goodison Park for the Merseyside derby against Everton.

The Scot is only behind Hazard, Christian Eriksen, Ryan Fraser, Paul Pogba, Leroy Sane and Sterling in the assists chart, after setting up two goals against Watford to take his tally to eight.

But Trent AlexanderArnold is not far behind on six after his hat-trick of assists against the Hornets.

Robertson added: “It’s good to get two assists but if I get two, I expect Trent to get three – and he’s outshone me again!”