Former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has joked that Virgil Van Dijk’s only weakness is that he plays for Liverpool.
In an interview with The Athletic, the Serbian centre-back said the Liverpool man is one of the best defenders around.
“Virgil van Dijk is one of the best — if not the best — centre-back in the world,” said Vidic. “He’s good physically and in the air. He has great ability. He’s grown a lot as a player since I first saw him play for Celtic. It helps that he’s in a good team, too.”
So far so good. Although Vidic, who won five Premier League titles with United, naturally thinks Virgil is wearing the wrong shade of red.
“His weakness is that he’s playing for the wrong club!”
We’re inclined to wholeheartedly disagree, Nemanja!
Vidic vs Van Dijk
Vidic’s words show the esteem in which Van Dijk is held by those within the game.
Although the 40-year-old is no longer an active footballer, he was one of the very best at his craft for close to a decade. Well, apart from whenever he came up against Fernando Torres that is.
Playing in the same position as the indomitable Serb, Van Dijk has often drawn comparisons with Vidic.
The former United man is of course more decorated, but other than that, there can’t be much to choose between the two.
Both players are strong and imposing, good in the air and excellent leaders. Where Van Dijk possibly has the edge is in his passing range and his speed across the ground.
Other than club allegiances, there really are no weaknesses to the 30-year-old’s game.
Another reminder of Virgil’s brilliance
Virgil’s display against Manchester City on Sunday was another statement of intent from the Dutchman.
Without his coolness under pressure and ability to dictate Liverpool’s high-line no matter what, Liverpool would likely have succumbed to a chastening defeat at the Etihad.
Sunday was Virgil’s 41st game of another brilliant season for Liverpool. He has emphatically dismissed questions over whether he could return to his pre-injury form.
It seems unlikely that Van Dijk can match Vidic’s haul in terms of Premier League trophies. But his excellence against City means that The Reds are still in the hunt to help him turn one winners medal into two come May 22nd.
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