Southampton defender Jan Bednarek says he sees Liverpool stopper Virgil van Dijk as a role-model.

Before defeat to the Reds last night, Bednarek paid tribute to the former Saint.

He told NBC Sports: "He is certainly the best central defender in the world right now. He is very good in the air, fast and very strong at the ball.

“He is a top player and watching his game helps me improve myself.

"When I started, I looked at Giorgio Chiellini, then at Sergio Ramos and now at Van Dijk. By looking at them, you can improve yourself. There are so many great players to watch."