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Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has claimed that Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk is better than his ex-teammate Rio Ferdinand. Van Dijk and Ferdinand are among the best central defenders to have graced the Premier League but Jones believes that the Reds icon is the better of the two.
Jones spent 12 years of his career at Manchester United and shared the pitch with Rio Ferdinand on 55 occasions. However, the former England international admitted that he was a huge fan of Van Dijk for how much composure he has on the ball. Jones told Sky Sports, as quoted by TBR Football:
“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. 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."
The 32-year-old added:
“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.”
Rio Ferdinand was a key figure behind Manchester United's incredible success under Sir Alex Ferguson during his spell at Old Trafford. Between 2002 and 2014, he made 455 appearances for the Red Devils, winning 14 trophies for the club.
Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk has also been pivotal behind Liverpool's success following his reported £75 million switch from Southampton in January 2018. He has so far made 290 appearances for the Merseyside giants, helping the club win eight trophies.
Manchester United great Rio Ferdinand offers his verdict on Liverpool's Champions League chances
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Liverpool might struggle to lift the Champions League this season. While Arne Slot's side have been flawless in the competition so far, Ferdinand claims that the Reds could suffer a dip in form.
The Merseyside giants maintained their 100% record in the Champions League with a 1-0 win against Girona on Tuesday, December 10. They were not at their best, but Mohamed Salah's 63rd-minute penalty was the difference between the two sides.
While sharing his verdict on the Reds' chances in the Champions League this season, Rio Ferdinand said, as quoted by TBR Football:
"Form-wise right now, yes, Liverpool have to be favourites but nothing is handed out at this stage. Form-wise, come March and April time, it could be very different to now. You have to be a bit patient."
The former Manchester United defender added:
"Liverpool definitely have the make up and all the markings of a team that can be very successful this season. They just need to ensure they have the form physically and mentally at the back end of the season."
With six wins in six games, Arne Slot's side are top of the Champions League table while also being in the driver's seat in the Premier League. They have 35 points in 14 games and lead second-placed Chelsea by four points with a game in hand.
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Edited by Sankalp Srivastava