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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot with captain Virgil van Dijk as they celebrate their team's victory and confirmation of winning the Premier League title after the match against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on April 27 2025(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Holland legend Ruud Gullit believes compatriot Virgil van Dijk is the best defender in the world "by miles" as he highlighted the changes made by Arne Slot to elevate the Liverpool skipper among the greats.

And the Reds boss has been hailed for transforming Ryan Gravenberch into a defensive midfielder worthy of winning the Premier League title.

Both Van Dijk and Gravenberch have started every game as Liverpool romped to a record-equalling 20th championship, which was sealed with four games to spare on Sunday with a 5-1 demolition of Tottenham Hotspur at an emotional Anfield.

Gullit, who won the European Cup twice playing for AC Milan along with the European Championships with Holland, has previously been critical of Van Dijk, who is also the Dutch national team captain.

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Now, though, the 62-year-old regards Van Dijk has been improved thanks to some subtle changes in his game.

"What he does better now is he goes forward with the ball," said Gullit.

and then give the ball to the left-back’ – and the left-back is already under pressure, the ball goes back.

"Also, when the striker drops into midfield, Van Dijk goes on him.

‘you are the best player – you have to show it, every time'."

Asked how Van Dijk compares to other great Dutch defenders, Gullit added: "Stam.

Much better, one of the best defenders we have had in Holland."

Slot has become the first Dutchman to manager a title-winning team in England, and Gullit believes while the Liverpool boss has benefited from the squad he was gifted by the departed Jurgen Klopp last summer, he has made his mark in several obvious ways.

"He inherited already a very good team," said Gullit.

He also got Van Dijk to play a little better – because there had been doubts, after his injury.
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