Van Dijk’s the Lionel Messi of defending

Koeman hails Kop hero as best in world

HE is being talked about as a Ballon d’Or favourite, a centre-half who has not been taken on successfully in 64 matches.

He can write his own pay cheque when a new contract is discussed with the Anfield hierarchy.

But humility is part of the make-up of football’s identikit, modern-day defender.

“I don’t think I’m in that category yet or at all at this moment,” said Virgil van Dijk when asked if he could be classed alongside an all-time defensive great such as Paolo Maldini.

“I’ve had a good season but for me it’s just a start.

“I want to keep doing what I’m doing, keep progressing, keep working hard and hopefully win a lot more trophies with Liverpool and the national team … but stay humble.” And van Dijk was certainly humble as he looked forward to Holland’s Nations League meeting with England in Guimaraes. It was left to his national boss Ronald Koeman to underline how van Dijk has become the Lionel Messi of the backline. Koeman said: “The best player in the world is Messi but when you have to define a defender who rarely has an opportunity of winning a prize he embodies the full picture – his radiance, the way he captains the group, his presence on the pitch. “In that sense he can be an example to anyone who wants to aspire to be the best – in what he does during training and when we have some issues outside training, in the way he moves about the team, ensures mutual respect, the way he ensures everyone shows up on time. “There’s this whole attitude of a consummate professional.” Meanwhile, England manager Gareth Southgate refused to confirm speculation Raheem Sterling would captain the side on his 50th cap in Portugal. Sterling had been rumoured to take the armband but Southgate refused to be drawn on his team selection or the captaincy. Southgate last night told a press conference: “I don’t want to discuss the captaincy. “Basically, Harry Kane is our captain. If Harry doesn’t play I have a decision to make. “At this moment in time I’m not prepared to do that.” Southgate said if he revealed Kane was not playing he would be giving away too much to opposite number Koeman but did say Jordan Henderson was the only doubt to make the game. He added: “If I confirmed anything about the team other than Raheem playing I would be doing half of Ronald’s job for him. If I tell you Harry’s playing tomorrow I’m giving Ronald half the team as well.”