Rio Ferdinand delivered a gushing appraisal of Virgil van Dijk on BT Sport by hailing him the outstanding Liverpool defender of the last 30-years.
The Manchester United legend insisted that the Holland international, signed from Southampton in January, is “awesome” and a “huge presence” who’s “the best defender they’ve had in the Premier League era”.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League triumph against Napoli on Tuesday night, Ferdinand put Van Dijk ahead of the likes of Anfield all-time great Jamie Carragher as well as his former teammate Sami Hyypia.
One of the best in his day, to one of the best right now ? pic.twitter.com/2KvBw4TzYx
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 11, 2018
OPINION
Ferdinand’s claim about Van Dijk was made before Liverpool kept the clean sheet they needed to secure a passage to the Champions League last-16 on a memorable night at Anfield. Maybe, the United legend, a fair and excellent pundit, might have gone even further afterwards in his praise of the Dutch maestro? Van Dijk was simply outstanding against Napoli. His aerial dominance, positioning and awareness of danger – not to mention, technical ability in tight areas – was world class and, if there is a better centre-back on the planet, he should announce himself and come forward. There isn’t basically. Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos may have the medals and the trophies, and they are undoubtedly excellent players. But, as a pure defender, Van Dijk is on a completely different level to them and everyone else. Carragher would probably be the first to admit it, too. He knows he was not ever capable of pulling out the performances Van Dijk has in this calendar year.