John Terry has commented on Jermaine Pennant claiming Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk is better than he was.
Van Dijk is Liverpool’s most expensive January signing and has excelled at Anfield since his arrival from Southampton.
The Dutchman has cemented himself as the Reds’ skipper and played crucial roles in their two Premier League triumphs and their Champions League win over Tottenham Hotspur.
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Virgil van Dijk celebrates Alexis Mac Allister scoring for Liverpool against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Chris Brunskill/Fantasista).
Photo credit: Getty Images/Chris Brunskill/Fantasista
John Terry suggests he was better than Virgil van Dijk
However, there is a debate among football fans as to whether Van Dijk is the best, or at least among the best, centre-backs in Premier League history.
Obvious names that spring to mind in the debate are the likes of Rio Ferdinand, John Terry and Nemanja Vidic.
Now, speaking to talkSPORT, Terry has sent a message to Jermaine Pennant, who recently said that Van Dijk was better than the former Chelsea and England stopper.
He said: “When you’re giving your opinion, you have to get the stats right. There’s only one person who’s got the most goals as a defender in Premier League history, and that’s me.
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“I also have the most clean sheets in Premier League history. And also, if you’re comparing myself and Virgil, then I have more trophies than him as well.”
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Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Virgil van Dijk vs John Terry: Trophies and stats compared
During his playing career, Terry clinched the Premier League title on five occasions versus Van Dijk’s two so far.
The former centre-back also won the FA Cup five times compared to Van Dijk’s one, won the League Cup on three occasions (Van Dijk one), has the same number of Champions League trophies as the Dutchman (one), and won the Europa League in 2013.
In terms of stats, the Liverpool ace has made 327 Premier League appearances so far, scoring 27 and assisting nine.
Terry, meanwhile, ended his career with 492 league appearances, 41 goals and 18 assists.
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