Porto goalkeeper Iker Casillas is full of praise for Liverpool and Holland defender Virgil Van Dijk.

He believes Van Dijk is a worthy candidate for individual awards, amid suggestions he may win the Ballon d'Or this year.

The legendary goalkeeper, who starred for Real Madrid and Spain during his prime, was on Twitter answering fan questions.

Casillas singled out Van Dijk among his comments.

"I thought he was the best defender of last season," the 38-year-old said of the Netherlands international.

"The question of the Ballon d'Or is a difficult one to analyse. Who deserves it?

"They should create a prize for each position. Goalkeeper, defense, midfielder and forward."