Bonucci: Chiellini and Van Dijk among the best in the world

Juventus center-back Leonardo Bonucci is convinced teammate Giorgio Chiellini and Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk are among the best defenders in world football.

Leonardo Bonucci expects a match filled with defensive quality when Italy and Netherlands face off in Group A1 fixture on Monday.

Italy saw their 11-match winning streak come to an end after they played out to a 1-1 draw against Bosnia on Friday.

On the other hand, Netherlands come into the fixture in good spirits after their recent 1-0 victory against Poland.

A heavyweight clash awaits when the Azzuri take on the Dutch side in their bid to return to winning ways.

With both sides boasting quality in their respective teams, Bonucci expects a brilliant defensive show on display from both sides.

Dutch captain Virgil Van Dijk needs no introduction when it comes to top defenders in the world. Many even laud him as the best in his position at the moment.

Giorgio Chiellini might not boast the athleticism of the Dutch captain but has ample experience to cover up for that.

Veteran defender Bonucci is looking forward to the game and named Van Dijk and his Juventus teammate as two of the best in the game.

“We are fortunate to be seeing two of the best defenders in the world face off, like Giorgio Chiellini and Virgil van Dijk, who I’d say are two of the top five.” the 33-year-old said as quoted by Football-Italia.

“Van Dijk proved in the Premier League and on international duty that he deserves the Ballon d’Or, while Giorgio has been the best for 15 years.

“The Dutch have a different way of defending to the Italians, they are more physical, whereas we focus more on the tactics.”