Chris Sutton made the headlines this week after he controversially suggested that the Liverpool centre-half Virgil van Dijk was the third best player in the world behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking to the BBC, who had asked all their football experts the same question, he said:
"It may not be fashionable to mention a defender when you have a conversation like this, but when you look at the difference Virgil van Dijk has made to Liverpool then you can see just how good he is.
"There is not an attribute you need as a defender that he does not have - he is quick, strong, consistent and he does not seem to lose his concentration.
"He also has tremendous distribution when he is on the ball, and he reads the game so well. He has got the lot.
"There will be a clamour for Eden Hazard and other attacking players - and I understand that - but Van Dijk has shown the difference a brilliant defender can make to any side."
Incredibly, the former Blackburn and Celtic striker has doubled down on his assertion. Appearing on BT Sport’s debate show “Premier League Tonight” he faced down the jeers of his fellow guests, Steve Mcmanaman and Paul Ince, he stuck to his guns.
“Do I think he’s the best defender in the world? yes, so I’ll stand by that,” he said.
When challenged with the opposition of the public to his idea, he wasn’t bowed.
“What do they know?!” Sutton asked.
We’re still not sure whether he’s having us all on here! Have a watch yourself and see what you think.
@chris_sutton73 defends his view after taking some abuse for making the claim...
You can't rattle the man! 😂
#PLTonight