Former Holland star Rafael van der Vaart does not believe Virgil Van Dijk is the best player in the world.

Despite his fellow Dutchman coming in for praise from all angles, and winning the UEFA Best Player award for the past season, van der Vaart is not one for over the top plaudits.

He believes that while Van Dijk is a great defender, he does not think he is the best footballer in the world.

Van Dijk is a candidate to win the Ballon d'Or this year.

Van der Vaart told Tuttomercatoweb of Van Dijk's claims of being the best: "He is not the best player in the world, but he is special.

"Messi and Ronaldo are the best, but you cannot compare defenders and attackers."