Brazil icon has Ronaldinho commended Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk on his excellent performance in the win over Crystal Palace.
The Dutch defender opened the scoring for the Reds at Selhurst Park with a thumping header, setting the team on the way to a 3-1 win.
Victory for Liverpool put them to within nine points of leaders Manchester City having played a game less, as Pep Guardiola's side slipped to a 1-1 draw at Southampton a day earlier.
While the Reds still have a lot of work to do to reel in the defending champions, performances like those on Sunday will be crucial if they are to do so.
After going two goals in front, Palace put together a brilliant second-half display to give themselves a chance of earning a point. Van Dijk, his fellow defenders and goalkeeper Alisson Becker had to stand firm.
Following the win, Van Dijk posted some thoughts on his Instagram account and among the many responders was former Barcelona and AC Milan forward Ronaldinho.
"You are fantastic, [you] play with elegance and command the defence like a maestro ... congratulations!"
The message would have likely meant a lot to the Liverpool man, as he has previously revealed that Ronaldinho is the best player ever in his eyes.
"He was one of my idols" Van Dijk said to AS (h/t the Mirror ) when asked as much.
Ronaldinho was renowned for the flair with which he played, winning the Ballon d'Or one one occasion as well as the World Cup for Brazil and the Champions League with Barcelona.
