Virgil van Dijk has chosen Rio Ferdinand as the best Premier League centre-back of all time, whereas additionally revealing that he needs to drive his means into the highest 5 earlier than he retires.
Van Dijk has lengthy been thought-about one of the best central defender on the planet and has loved one other high-quality private marketing campaign this trip.
The Dutchman has already lifted two trophies with the Reds this season – the FA Cup and Carabao Cup – and his aspect stays in rivalry for a treble forward of Saturday’s Champions League remaining.
Earlier than that sport Van Dijk spoke with BT Sport pundit Ferdinand, and revealed his shocking high 5 all-time Premier League centre-backs.
After deciding on Ferdinand as his high decide he defined: “I believe you could possibly additionally play within the trendy period. Again within the day you have been so vital for the United crew.
“All of the English centre-backs usually regarded as much as you. You have been an icon as a defender. Your presence is an important factor as a centre-back – be good on the ball and off the ball.
“You tackled a bit greater than I do again within the day, however it’s a unique sport now.”
Van Dijk then chosen former Man Metropolis skipper Vincent Kompany within the quantity two spot.
“Improbable captain. Good on the ball, good with out the ball. He scored vital targets in his Metropolis profession – and scored an important one towards Leicester when he practically gained the league.
“Nice man, he was excellent.”
Van Dijk then gave some like to compatriot Jaap Stam, saying: “For me as a Dutchman, he was the person. In the event you regarded on the nationwide crew I all the time thought he was 6’5, or 6’6. However that was simply his presence.
“I’ve a lot respect for what he is achieved.”
Chelsea legend John Terry was fourth on Van Dijk’s record.
“He has the file for many clear sheets within the Premier League. He’s additionally one of many centre-backs that you simply have a look at while you’re youthful, in addition to your self, Sergio Ramos, [Alessandro] Nesta.”
And Van Dijk shut off his high 5 by lastly selecting a former Liverpool participant.
“I’ll put Hyypia as a result of he is a Liverpool legend! He performed at Willem II as nicely [as Jaap Stam],” he stated.
“He was underrated for my part. An excellent participant good on the ball. Vital for the membership in an vital interval of the membership as nicely. Hopefully I will be on this 5 sooner or later.”
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