Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand does not believe Virgil van Dijk deserves to be named the Premier League’s player of the year.
Speaking at a recent BT event (reported via the Mirror), the six-time champion said: “He’d get my vote for best defender, best centre-half, but he wouldn’t get my vote for Player of the Year. I think there’s a few other people probably vying for that accolade.”
Has Virgil van Dijk been Liverpool's player of the season?
Yes
No
When asked who would get his vote for Player of the Year, Ferdinand added: “I think Jordan Henderson has been very good. I think Mane has been my favourite player when I watch Liverpool, if I’m honest.”
Here’s how some of the Anfield faithful responded to the former England star’s comments.
Ferdinand should give Van Dijk the respect he deserves. There is this narrative that is being driven by English media. First, they wanted Sterling to win player of the year, it failed. They have now turned their sights on Henderson since they know it gonna come from Liverpool.
— Azuki Sirkal (@SirkalAzuki) February 5, 2020
Guess he will rather have Jones or Maguire winning it ???????
— Count of Monte Cristo (@iburniton96) February 5, 2020
Jealousy gets you nowhere Rio ?
— Jack Leach (@JackLeach_90) February 5, 2020
He should leave us alone. Go and help your team.
— Della Strauss (@DellaDek) February 5, 2020
Ok Rio is that because he’s netter than you ever were????????
— Kelly Marie (@kellzmarie28) February 5, 2020
Rio just hates all defenders better than him
— Noor? (@lfcnoor) February 5, 2020
It’s because Rio Ferdinand is salty that he was never considered for the award and Van Dijk is a favourite for the second season running.
— Arjun Rai (@arjunrai_uk) February 5, 2020
What do we think?
When you read the full transcript of Rio Ferdinand’s comments you will come to realise that they were not intended as an insult to the Dutch defender, nor were they suggesting the award should not be given to a Liverpool player.
The influence Van Dijk has had on this team and the defence in particular since the club opted to spend just over £76m on him (via Transfermarkt.co.uk) should not be understated. His arrival, along with those of Alisson from Roma and the emergence of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson have seen the Reds go from a side capable of beating most on their day to a consistent winning machine, made clear by their near-faultless record in the league this season.