We asked you who your best Liverpool defender of all time is, given Jamie Carragher's praise of Virgil van Dijk this week.

At the time of writing, our poll sees two mean clearly ahead. Alan Hansen is on 46%, while Van DIjk is on 36%. Emlyn Hughes and Sami Hyypia are each on 4%.

Here are some of your comments:

Rob: Alan Hansen. Majestic, unruffled, always in control, read the game analytically, extra pace when needed, could bring the ball out of defence and a good passer. With Mark Lawrenson (somehow left off this list!) the greatest defensive partnership of the last 50 years.

John: Virgil van Dijk. The most accomplished all-round footballer to play in defence for Liverpool. Rarely flustered, scores goals, hits diagonal accurate long balls. Probably better than Franz Beckenbauer, who was way ahead of his time but didn't score the goals that Virgil does.

Richard: Bill Shankly said of Emlyn Hughes that he had "everything." Hughes played left back, central defence and midfield and excelled in all. He was one of the first to be able to play out from the back. Hughes' spirit, determination, and never-say-die attitude perfectly embodied what Shankly instilled in his players and what was known as "the Liverpool way". An incredible captain, vivacious leader and extremely lovable man. One of England's finest captains and so awfully underrated!

Mark: Alan Hansen, not even a debate. Could easily play in the current team as he was so comfortable on the ball and would, as they say now, "break the lines" with his dribbling out of defence. Cool, calm and collected. Always in the right place at the right time, exactly like Virgil van Dijk. What a mouthwatering partnership that would be to watch!

Colin: Phil Neal. His record speaks for itself: He won eight First Division titles, four League Cups, five FA Charity Shields, four European Cups, one Uefa Cup and one Uefa Super Cup during his 11 years at Liverpool. Brilliant penalty man as well.

Stephen: Hansen was absolute class. Unlike Van Dijk he would carry the ball forward into the space like a driving midfielder. His partnership with Mark Lawrenson was the greatest centre-half partnership in Liverpool history.

Liverpool news: Fan views on best defender of all-time