Chiellini has been very consistent when it comes to playing at the highest level and needs no introduction when it comes to the art of defending, having also helped Juventus hoist multiple Scudettos.
Van Dijk on the other hand has etched his name as one of the best defenders in the game since his big move to Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018.
The Dutchman has been a key member in Liverpool’s recent success story, helping the Reds to their sixth Champions League trophy last year and a first English league title since 1990 at the end of the 2019/2020 season.
Ahead of Italy’s Nations League game against Netherlands on Monday, Bonucci has opined that Chiellini and the former Celtic defender are two of the world’s current best defenders and insists he is looking forward to 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 former AC Milan defender 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.”
