Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk has hit back at pundits who criticized Manchester United new boy Lisandro Martinez.

The Dutchman, who has won the Premier League and Champions League with Liverpool, is a huge admirer of Martinez.

When the Argentine joined United in the summer from Ajax, he was criticized for his lack of height, a critique that van Dijk dismissed entirely.

“People talking about Lisandro Martínez and his height, are talking absolute rubbish," Van Dijk said on Sky Bet's The Overlap.

“It can help as a centre-back if you're a bit taller, but what he's done since coming to the Premier League, has been good.

“He's a good signing for Manchester United, he's good on the ball, he's very passionate, so I can only speak positively about him.

“I have respect for what he's achieved so far, and I hope he does well at United, but that he doesn't get successful there with winning trophies!

“In England, everyone loves criticising players about everything, but that's fine because you can't change it.

“Lisandro has shown many good performances already, and he shouldn't think about the outside noise around him."