A uncommon powerful spell for Virgil van Dijk has sparked comparisons with Nemanja Vidic, with the likes of Jamie Carragher and Rio Ferdinand having their say.
The Netherlands captain has been the topic of criticism in latest weeks in what has been a troublesome interval for Liverpool defensively.
Predictably, Carragher went in to bat for Van Dijk in response to a tweet which questioned his standing as an all-time Premier League nice.
The previous Reds defender conceded that Vidic was a “prime” centre-back in his personal proper, however that Van Dijk’s affect on Liverpool makes him the superior participant.
VVD is much better than Vidic, who was a prime CB, however have you ever forgot his performances towards Torres?
Rio & JT had poor seasons of their profession like all gamers, VVD is having one now.
No CB within the PL period has ever had VVD’s affect on a crew. https://t.co/rZ7vfHRN7d
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) April 10, 2023
Carragher cited Vidic’s performances towards Fernando Torres to exhibit that every one prime centre-backs have troublesome moments of their careers, with the Spaniard notably devastating throughout a 4-1 win at Previous Trafford in 2009.
Ferdinand additionally gave his opinion by replying to Carragher with a video discussing what he described as a “fable” concerning Vidic’s struggles towards Torres.
“I believe Torres scored three targets in 15 video games towards Vidic, I believe it’s a little bit of a fable,” insisted Ferdinand.
“He had a few dodgy moments in these video games and he bought despatched off a few instances, however that’s form of been amplified into saying he bought tortured each time he performed towards Torres which wasn’t the case.”
Let’s be a part of this debate…. ??
Torres v Vidaaaa
Rashford v VVDhttps://t.co/NhBWBxVgsK https://t.co/p0KxaaTxRR pic.twitter.com/s28p8uCOaH— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) April 10, 2023
It’s a dialogue which supporters have gladly sunk their enamel into, with a lot providing their ideas on the comparisons and lots of leaping to the defence of the Reds’ talismanic centre-back.
A number of supporters have pointed to the “tribalism” on the coronary heart of the criticism in direction of Van Dijk, who has been described as a “colossus” and “one of many Premier League‘s best centre-backs” by Liverpool followers:
There’s a motive it at all times circles again to Vidic and van Dijk: totally different eras, however seemingly consensus picks amongst their friends.
Each have flaws as a result of they’re human — a fail comp ? a profession. Doesn’t make both one overrated.
— El Mans (@el_mansfield) April 10, 2023
Spot on. Pretending Virgil Van Dijk isn’t the most effective centre half the Prem has seen is simply petty tribalism now he’s struggling. Nobody reached his stage at his peak. Sure it was minimize brief by Pickford, however from 17-20 he confirmed all of the qualities of Vidic, Ferdinand & Terry mixed. https://t.co/WnthXIery2
— Neil Docking (@NeilDocking) April 10, 2023
The creeping suggestion Virgil van Dijk is just not one of many Premier League’s best centre-backs is downright weird. You’d should be unwell to suppose that. Nonetheless, reveals some folks solely have selective recollections for essentially the most primary truths. Now off to rejoice my twenty first birthday ?
— Ian Doyle (@IanDoyleSport) April 10, 2023
It is pointless tribal shite I do know, and admittedly I am aggravated I am even getting concerned, however Van Dijk’s the most effective centre-back in Premier League historical past. You may thrown longevity at me and a below-par season, however no CB has been as full or had his affect over a 3/4-year interval.
— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) April 10, 2023
Van Dijk at Southampton btw, already a colossus of a CB. Led Southampton to sixth & eighth place finishes with constant 8 or 9 out of 10 performances. Keep in mind some particular performances vs Kane & Mané . It was him & Alderweireld who had been a minimize above the remaining. Was pretty apparent.
— Raj Chohan (@rajsinghchohan) April 10, 2023
Light reminder that Van Dijk was 7 factors behind Messi within the 2019 Ballon d’Or. A small swing in votes would’ve made him the primary defender since Cannavaro to win it. Terry and Ferdinand by no means, ever got here near that stage. ?? https://t.co/DgUF719nwK
— LFC Stats (@LFCData) April 10, 2023
This tackle Van Dijk is terrible. He was in all probability the most effective defender in Europe final season. Which was after his harm. Doesn’t imply he hasn’t been poor this season. The harm jibe is simply lazy https://t.co/48N86KYmpl
— Sponge (@monkeysponge) April 10, 2023
The controversy is unlikely to ever attain a full conclusion, however Ferdinand and Carragher are maybe two of essentially the most highly-qualified individuals who may provide their takes.
The pair made 1,012 Premier League appearances between them and are additionally extensively considered two of the most effective defenders the Premier League has produced.
