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Kevin Kilbane Claims Virgil Van Dijk Is Better Than Rio Ferdinand

Kevin Kilbane Claims Virgil Van Dijk Is Better Than Rio Ferdinand

The former Ireland international thinks the Liverpool centre back is one of the best centre backs to have ever played in the Premier League.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Former Republic of Ireland international, turned pundit, Kevin Kilbane believes that Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has 'more to his game' than former Manchester United centre back than Rio Ferdinand.

Virgil van Dijk has been the talk of the town for over a year now because of his performances for Liverpool and the way that the Dutchman has transformed the Reds' defence, one that could lead them to title success.

Jurgen Klopp's team have only conceded 18 goals in their 31 games in the Premier League so far this season and it's in total contrast to last season when their defence was poor.

The form of Van Dijk has led to the former Southampton defender being tipped as this year's Player of the Year award winner, with John Terry being the last defender to win the PFA award in 2005.

There's been a lot of plaudits coming the way of the most expensive defender of all time and Kevin Kilbane is the latest pundit to join in.

The former Everton player was speaking to NewsTalk, via The Sport Review, said:

"He's going into the territory of the being the best defender I've seen live.

"Liverpool have had Hansen but Van Dijk controls the game from his position. It's amazing to see him.

"I think he's getting into that territory along with top defenders like Rio Ferdinand and John Terry. Van Dijk has more to his game than Ferdinand.

"He is a better passer, he is more aggressive when he needs to be and he has that calm streak about him. Potentially, he'll be better than Ferdinand."

Van Dijk has been very impressive since moving from Southampton. Image: PA Images
Van Dijk has been very impressive since moving from Southampton. Image: PA Images

Ferdinand and Terry are both considered amongst the best centre backs in the history of the Premier League and between them won 11 titles between them at Manchester United and Chelsea.

The former Leeds United defender made a great partnership with Nemanja Vidic at Old Trafford with Ferdinand being the more technically gifted of the pair and Vidic being more the enforcer.

Possibly the best defensive partnership in Premier League history. Image: PA Images
Possibly the best defensive partnership in Premier League history. Image: PA Images

Van Dijk would instantly become a legend at Anfield if Klopp's side can win the title for the first time in nearly 30 years in May.

They currently have a two point advantage over Manchester City, who have a game in hand, and it's all to play for with just seven games to go.

Is Van Dijk as good as Ferdinand?

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Manchester City, Liverpool, John Terry, Football News, Manchester United, Premier League, Virgil Van Dijk, Rio Ferdinand, Jurgen Klopp