Alessandro Bastoni says one Liverpool player is so strong after being linked with a move to Anfield

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Liverpool are on the lookout for some new recruits in defence and Alessandro Bastoni is doing all the right things to get a move.The Reds have had a tough season so far, with the main reason for their struggles being because of their leaky defence.They are short of options at the back, meaning they cannot change much either, which is why they have been linked with a lot of names.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. Name the players who actually had a better 2024/25 season than Mo Salah ⚽ The Best FIFA Men’s 11 2025Gianluigi DonnarummaAchraf HakimiWillian PachoVirgil van DijkNuno MendesCole PalmerVitinhaPedriJude BellinghamOusmane DembeleLamine YamalCredit: Chris Catherine Ivill/AMA/Getty Images 👇 Join the debate; share your insight.

Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say Inter Milan’s Bastoni is one of these, with the Italian firmly establishing himself as one of the best in the world at the age of 25.He has also been very complimentary about one Liverpool star in particular, something Reds fans will be glad to hear about.Alessandro Bastoni picks Virgil van Dijk as the strongest defenderBastoni would certainly walk straight into Liverpool’s side if he were to move, with the Italian the perfect partner for Virgil van Dijk.The Dutchman is one of the best in the world too, meaning the Reds would have one of the best partnerships in the world and two players who complement each other nicely.Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesBastoni has been full of praise for van Dijk too, with the Inter defender picking him as the strongest player when taking a trait from stars to create the ‘perfect centre-back’.This was for La Gazzetta dello Sport, with the Italian also taking van Dijk’s positioning, showing how highly-regarded he is.Although many would agree with him, it is also a good sign for Reds fans as it could be seen as him hinting that he would like to play alongside him, something that would be incredible to see.Alessandro Bastoni is the heir to Virgil van Dijk’s throne Gut feeling, has Mohamed Salah played his last game for Liverpool? 421 appearances250 goals114 assists 👇 Join the debate; share your insight.

Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say Although he could play alongside him for at least a season if he were to join in the summer, Bastoni is the perfect player to actually replace van Dijk.Whoever has that task certainly has big shoes to fill, but the Italian’s traits are so similar to the Liverpool captain’s that the transition could be seamless. Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox