Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland rates Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk as the best centre-back in the world.

The Norway striker was asked about Van Dijk, as his country is preparing to face the Netherlands in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.

The duo are likely to square off in the game on several occasions, and it appears Haaland is aware of the task he faces to try and get one over such an experienced and powerful center back.

"I think he is the best defender. I think quite a few others in the room agree with me on that," Haaland told TV2.

"He is fast, strong and smart, and there are three important things you must have. I have played against him twice.

"I have said that he is the best I have met. He is a good player, so we have to try to play around him."