Virgil van Dijk Claims Liverpool Have Two Players Who Can Become the Best in the World

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has boldly predicted that two of his teammates possess the potential to reach the pinnacle of world football, becoming the best players in the world.

In a recent interview, Van Dijk praised the exceptional talents within the Liverpool squad, highlighting their technical skills, mentality, and trajectory under manager Arne Slot. While he did not explicitly name the duo, context from his comments and Liverpool's current form points toward rising stars like Cody Gakpo and another key forward or midfielder showing world-class promise[2][3]. Van Dijk emphasized their ability to perform in high-pressure situations, drawing parallels to his own journey from Southampton to Liverpool dominance[1][5].

The Dutch defender, who himself was named in the Best FIFA Men's 11 for 2025 after leading Liverpool to the Premier League title, credited the club's environment for nurturing elite talent[6]. Van Dijk's accolades—including UEFA Champions League and Premier League triumphs, Ballon d'Or runner-up finish, and top rankings as the world's best center-back—lend weight to his endorsement[5][7]. He noted how Liverpool's measured build-up play suits versatile attackers like Gakpo, who offers flexibility across the front line and a strong international scoring record with the Netherlands[1][2].

Van Dijk remains a cornerstone for both club and country, captaining the Netherlands toward World Cup 2026 contention with his leadership, aerial prowess (72.1% duel success), and passing accuracy (91.7%)[1][5]. His faith in these two players reflects Liverpool's depth, with the team eyeing continued success in 2025/26. As Van Dijk eyes extending his "incredible record," he believes these youngsters can elevate to global supremacy, echoing his own resurgence post-injury[4][8].

This claim has sparked excitement among fans, positioning Liverpool as a breeding ground for future Ballon d'Or contenders amid their title defense[3].