Arsenal legend Lauren believes Virgil van Dijk has not reached the level of Sol Campbell.
Campbell was a dominant centre-back for Tottenham, Arsenal and England during his long career.
Van Dijk has this season emerged as the preeminent defender in world football, but Lauren thinks he is a step behind his former teammate.
"Van Dijk has improved the Liverpool defence, as Liverpool were very good going forward in the first year under Jurgen Klopp but they had big problems defending," he said.
"Van Dijk has been super and given them the ability to defend, but I'd have to say Sol was the better player because he proved that with Tottenham that he was one of the best, he proved with England that he was one of the best and at Arsenal he was a top player.
"So I have to stick with Sol Campbell. Sol didn't just win one Premier League, but won it twice. Sol Campbell was one of the best defenders in the history of football."