Liverpool defender Vigril Van Dijk is risking his legacy with his present form.
That is the opinion of former Manchester United center back Rio Ferdinand.
The ex-England defender knows about the challenges of recovering his old qualities after serious injuries.
Van Dijk, who was out for most of last season with an ACL injury, has struggled to find his best form as the Reds have shipped more goals than expected this term.
Van Dijk and his fellow defenders let in three goals in a 3-2 loss to West Ham United on Sunday.
"It's who stands the length of time as well, if you could do it over a period of time," Ferdinand told his FIVE YouTube channel.
"There's no doubt in my mind Virgil's best year would stack up against most centre-backs, but you don't get judged on that best year, you get judged over that period of time."
"I think you've got to think you're the guy, you've got to think you're the best... and I think Virgil, he's the best centre-back in the world," he added.
"Yes there's going to be teething problems, that's going to happen because he's been out for so long and he's just getting his feet wet again, but I still believe if there's a game right now today and I need a centre back, my first centre back on the list would be him."
