There is a lot of talk about who is the best player to ever play in a certain position, with the latest being who was the best centre-back in the Premier League.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand and Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk are just two of the regular names in this debate.
It is a difficult debate to argue considering the two players were not playing against the same opposition, with Van Dijk competing in a totally different era.
Jermain Defoe said Ferdinand was better than John Terry recently as he offered his thoughts on some of the best players he came up against.
But now it is the turn of one of Ferdinand’s former teammates Phil Jones who only left United in the summer of 2023 before retiring.
Liverpool's Egyptian forward #11 Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring the opening goal with Liverpool's Dutch defender #04 Virgil van Dijk during the U...
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Phil Jones rates Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk higher than Rio Ferdinand
In what might be a shock for many – considering Jones and Ferdinand were teammates – the 32-year-old actually claimed Van Dijk is better, in his opinion.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Jones admitted he just loves watching Van Dijk dominate with the Dutchman so composed on the ball.
“I think from a modern-day centre-half and what you would want, you know, he’s commanding, he’s great on the ball, he’s a threat in both boxes,” said Jones.
“I think it would be harsh to say he [Ferdinand] wouldn’t have been as good as he is now as he was in that era.
“I think he still would have been top, but I’ve got to go Van Dijk. Just because I think what he’s given Liverpool over the last five/six years has been incredible.
“He might have had a little bit of a dip in form over the last four/five months, but he’s right up there.”
Ferdinand even said Van Dijk is currently the best defender in the world as he tipped William Saliba to take that crown when the Dutchman gives it up.
But for now, Liverpool fans will just be concerned about Van Dijk potentially signing a new contract at Anfield as the saga goes on.
Ferdinand’s Andy Robertson advice for Van Dijk
Last year, Ferdinand and Van Dijk chopped it up in front of a monitor to discuss the Dutchman’s game for the Reds.
Jonathan Tah said he was better than Van Dijk, but the Liverpool defender is recognised worldwide as the best defender by many.
However, during the conversation with Van Dijk, Ferdinand had some advice for him on managing Andy Robertson.
“I don’t know about you, but there’s your left-back Andy Robertson – on my side it was Gary Neville. Before every match, I’d always say to him: ‘If the ball comes in to the winger, just make him go back. Get tight and be aggressive’ and that space in behind I would cover,” said Ferdinand.
Now at the age of 33, it would be interesting to know just how much notice Van Dijk actually took from what Ferdinand had to say.
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