This Chelsea Target Is The Best Defender In Premier League – Teammate

Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk is the best defender in the Premier League, according to teammate and former Chelsea star Ryan Betrand.

The Dutch defender has been linked with a move away from the Saints due to his solid displays since he joined them from Celtic in 2015, and his teammate, Betrand believes van Dijk is worth the hype, due to his solid displays so far.

He told Goal.com: ‘For me, he is number one,’

‘Number one in the Premier League. Even going into the Champions League clubs, he is one of the best and right up there for me.’

‘Having played right next to him and seen his capabilities, I know that he is right up there,’

‘He has got pace, strength and technical ability. He reads the game well and he is great and very reliable to play alongside.’

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is understood to be keen on landing the 25-year-old as he looks to bolster his defence next summer.

The Blues have done well in their 3-4-3 formantion so far this season, deploying the likes of David Luiz, Cesar Azplicueta and Gary Cahill in a three-man defence which has been efficient all season. Manchester United and Liverpool are also believed to be in the race to sign the Dutch defender.