Bayern Munich defender Niklas Sule says he's drawing inspiration from Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk.

Sule, 24, feels time is on his side to match the heights achieved by Van Dijk late in his career.

"Van Dijk went to Liverpool at the age of 27 and with that switch became the best defender there is at the moment. Just before his thirtieth birthday he reached the absolute top," said Sule.

"From the age of 25 you enter the best phase of your career. You then have the necessary experience and you are also in top shape."

Sule already plays at a top club, while Van Dijk made an intermediate step at Southampton.

"And he has only got better at Liverpool. At Bayern I have all the possibilities to get better and better. I have to keep working hard, then it is entirely up to me whether or not I become the best defender in the world."