From his arrival in 2017 until his exit last summer, the question of who was the best player in the Liverpool squad was widely seen to be Mohamed Salah.

With the Egyptian now departed, however, the Reds need a new top dog, and in Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, they have plenty of candidates, even if they are not all in good form.

Steven Gerrard certainly knows a thing or two about being the main man at Liverpool, and the former captain has delivered his two-pence in this debate, declaring Van Dijk to be the current best.

With Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo missing Man City, who are you starting in their place? Would you make any other changes to the team too? 👀

Virgil van Dijk is Liverpool’s best player – Gerrard

Though they have been underperforming for the best part of a year at least, Liverpool do still have some very, very good players.

According to Gerrard, though, the best remains the veteran Van Dijk. Asked by SPORTbible for his thoughts on the subject, the Scouser thought for a moment before naming one of his successors with the armband.

Gerrard also answered a number of other questions, including what he’d have done if he wasn’t a footballer – a builder or another trade – the best player he played alongside, of course, Luis Suarez, and the one player he’d have loved to have played with – Roy Keane, because ‘we would’ve been awesome together’.

The Scouser also tipped Liverpool to finish third in the Premier League table this season, while admitting to being starstruck when meeting both Paul McCartney and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Gerrard backs Jacquet to replace Van Dijk

After naming Van Dijk as the best player in the Liverpool squad right now, Gerrard also looked ahead to who could replace him when the Dutchman eventually leaves.

Michael Owen has backed Jeremy Jacquet to succeed Van Dijk, and Gerrard has now confirmed that he agrees with his former teammate’s take.

“I love him, I’ve been very impressed with him from the opening pre-season friendlies,” the 46-year-old said to SPORTbible.

“I think he’s got a composure and a fantastic profile and he can move. I think there’s still a bit of rawness about him. But, I think there’s another level which he can get to and I think he’s going to be the perfect replacement for Virg in a year or two because he’s really helped solidify that back four.”

After a fitness worry during the international break, Iraola confirmed that Jacquet is fit to face Manchester City on Sunday, and as his reputation continues to soar, he could tick off another big moment by keeping Erling Haaland out of the game.