The video will start in 8 Cancel

Use your head like Sadio and subscribe to the Liverpool FC newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Watford striker Troy Deeney has specifically detailed why he believes Virgil van Dijk is the Premier League's best defender.

The Hornets striker recently went head-to-head with the most expensive defender in football history as Jurgen Klopp's Reds beat Javi Gracia's men 5-0 at Anfield on March 17.

It was an afternoon to forget for the combative Deeney, who lasted 70 fruitless minutes before being replaced for Stefano Okaka.

Asked to explain exactly why Van Dijk is so highly rated, Deeney said that the Dutchman's set of attributes mark him out as the finest centre-back in the top flight.

(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Speaking on Graham Hunter's 'The Big Interview' podcast, Deeney said: "He’s the best by far.

"[He's] six foot six inches tall, quick, confident with the ball at his feet, and doesn’t mind a physical battle.

"He’s the closest thing we’ve got to a complete defender in the Premier League.

“He’s also a non-stop talker. Communication is massive for a defender, and he says those little things that people from the outside don’t see.

(Image: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

“I think he’s going to make a huge difference to that Liverpool team."

Van Dijk's arrival into the heart of the Liverpool defence back in January has coincided with an upturn in fortunes for a previously much-maligned backline.

Klopp's side have kept nine clean sheets in their last 14 games, dating back to the 3-0 win away to Huddersfield on January 30.