Speaking on BT Sport, Rio Ferdinand has been discussing his top five Premier League centre-backs of all-time alongside Virgil van Dijk.
The Manchester United legend has seen some fantastic centre-halves come and go in the Premier League during his time as a player and a pundit, and according to Ferdinand, Van Dijk is the third-best to ever grace the division, behind only himself and Nemanja Vidic.
As you may imagine, Van Dijk was too humble to accept such praise, but Ferdinand told the Liverpool star to his face just how good he is.
What’s been said?
Ferdinand showered Van Dijk with praise.
“I think the impact you have on the team is massive. I think that your attributes would put you right in the top tier of any of those guys as well. In terms of natural physical attributes, Stam could be up there with you. Your passing range, you’re the full package. Whatever is in front of you, you make it look to easy and the game seems to come easy to you,” Ferdinand said.
So good
Ferdinand told Van Dijk just how good he is, and he needed to hear it.
The Dutchman didn’t even put himself in the top five Premier League centre-halves ever, while Ferdinand put himself at number one, that just goes to show the different personalities the pair have.
Van Dijk is almost too humble for his own good sometimes, and perhaps this praise from Ferdinand will make him feel that bit more confident heading into this weekend’s Champions League final.
Make no mistake about it, Van Dijk is one of the best defenders we’ve ever seen in this country.
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