Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk can already be considered the Premier League’s greatest ever defender and can be considered a ‘more complete’ player than the man who could also lay claim to that title – former Manchester United favourite Nemanja Vidic.
Van Dijk, who joined Liverpool in what now appears a bargain £75m deal from Southampton in January 2018, has enjoyed another stellar campaign, playing in every minute of their Premier League campaign to leave the club just two wins away from a first domestic league title in 30 years.
The Reds have conceded just 21 goals this season – the best defensive record in the league – and are 25 points clear of Manchester City in second place, meaning they’re just six points away securing title glory.
The Dutchman’s form brings inevitable comparisons with the Premier League’s greatest defenders, with United legend Vidic among them.
The Serbian won five titles in nine years at Old Trafford.
But World Cup winner Franck Leboeuf believes Van Dijk is the better of the two centre-backs, despite his relatively short spell at Anfield.
“I would go for Van Dijk,” he said on ESPN FC when asked to pick the superior defender.
“I think he’s more complete.
“I loved Vidic, because I think he was a dog, and a fantastic defender. But Van Dijk can lead the team and has range.
“I don’t think Vidic was capable of doing that. Hats off to Vidic, though.”
Lebouf’s co-panelist Ian Darke backed up his opinion on the Dutchman.
“I think Van Dijk has transformed Liverpool,” he added.
“He’s the one player who has made them champions-elect.”
