That’s the view of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish who saw the Dutch defender net his first league goal for the Reds last night.
Van Dijk’s strike came in a 2-0 win at Wolves that ensured Liverpool will be top of the Premier League at Christmas.
They sit four points clear of Manchester City with Pep Guardiola’s side hosting Crystal Palace today (3pm).
Van Dijk has shone since moving to Anfield from Southampton in a £75million switch in January.
He has been a rock at the back with Liverpool conceding just seven Premier League goals this season as they remain unbeaten in the league.
Carragher never won a league title at Anfield but was part of a Champions League winning squad in 2005.
And Dalglish reckons the former England international just edges out Liverpool’s current star.
“Just behind Carra,” Dalglish responded when asked on Sky Sports where Van Dijk ranks among Liverpool’s best ever centre backs..
“He [Carragher] was fantastic at Liverpool during his time.
“Virgil came in at a very important time, stamped his authority on it and is a great presence.
He does. He really does. 😎 pic.twitter.com/yDRaTzvdTw
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 21, 2018
“He has really produced the goods since he came in in January. It might have been a lot of money but they got the £140m from Coutinho and they’ve spent it on Virgil and the goalkeeper [Alisson], it’s two great signings.
“This is Virgil’s first full season, it’s the goalkeeper’s first full season. When you sign players it’s great to see them be successful.”
Van Dijk had warned the Premier League that Liverpool have no intentions of relinquishing their lead ahead of the Wolves clash.
He said: ”We are very happy we’re in the position that we’re in now but that can change in two or three weeks so we won’t get carried away.
“We’ll try to keep on doing what we’re doing and, obviously, stay confident.”