Vidic names ‘giant’ van Dijk as world’s best

Former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has named Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk as the world’s best defender.

The Reds world class center-back has been moving towards that bracket for some time now, but Vidic believes he’s arrived at that level and that nobody can match him. Speaking exclusively to The Athletic (subscription required), the former Red Devil said there was only one other player in the game like him.

During his interview, the Serb was asked who he thinks is the best defender right now and Vidic didn’t even have to think for one second before he answered van Dijk.

Why?

Because ‘he leaves a huge impression on the field’, his very presence makes the goalkeeper, full-backs and midfield more relaxed and more confident and because VVD wins the ball and can go toe-to-toe with forwards and come away from it better off.

‘He’s strong, he has a presence. He can play at the highest level,’ continued Vidic – who said that only Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly can match the Dutchman for their skill and joy of pure defending.

Van Dijk is a giant and his stature definitely helps him with that. ‘Physically, he dominates the other players. He’s strong and dominant in the air,’ commented Vidic.

And he’s right. There are those who laughed when Liverpool paid the money they did to bring the ex-Southampton man to the club, and they’ve all been proven wrong as van Dijk helped the club launch an assault on the Champions League that saw them finish as runners up and then winners.

Vidic would know a good defender when he saw one. He may have played for Manchester United but give him his due, he was an excellent player as he made over 200 top flight appearances and played 300 games for United.

If van Dijk can make that sort of contribution in terms of longevity, there’s no knowing what heights he can propel Liverpool to.