When the Manchester United legend selects the top defenders in the Premier League, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is left out.
Virgil van Dijk, the captain of Liverpool, has been an immense force for Jürgen Klopp’s team this season. But before the Dutchman, Nemanja Vidić has picked three opponents.
Nemanja Vidić, the former captain of Manchester United, overlooked Virgil van Dijk when ranking the top defenders in the Premier League. Since receiving a red card at Newcastle earlier in the season, Van Dijk has had a fantastic season for Liverpool, missing just two games due to suspension. Since Joël Matip began the season before his extended injury layoff, the Dutchman has played central defense with as many as four partners. Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konaté have also had opportunities, but Jarell Quansah was selected for Monday night’s draw with Aston Villa. Van Dijk has demonstrated some of his best play in a red shirt, despite getting ready to turn 33 this summer. However, Vidić has identified three defenders that he feels are superior to the Liverpool skipper
I enjoy discussing young players like Micky van de Ven, who possesses speed, strength, and aerial prowess, with the potential for significant improvement. Regarding the Arsenal duo, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, their commitment to defending and pursuit of clean sheets is commendable. Their partnership on the field is crucial, contributing to Arsenal’s solid defensive record this season, exemplified by their resilient performance against City. Meanwhile, Liverpool is anticipated to extend Van Dijk’s contract, with Jamie Carragher acknowledging his pivotal role in the team’s success this season.
“Liverpool would have been in that fight for fourth with Villa and Tottenham without Virgil van Dijk,” Carragher said to Sky Sports after selecting Van Dijk for his Team of the Season. He has played such a significant role. “I consider that performance in the Carabao Cup final and the fact that he spends nearly half the season playing with a young player in Quansah. He began it with Matip before suffering a season-ending injury. He’s dated four different women. He performed at his peak once again, much as when he faced Erling Haaland.”