Jamie Carragher believes that Virgil van Dijk is the ‘best centre-back in Premier League history’ after the Dutchman’s colossal performances in recent days.
Both Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland were unable to breach the Liverpool defender this week. The Reds got the better of Real Madrid and Manchester City in vital encounters at Anfield.
Sunday’s 2-0 win over the Cityzens saw the Merseysiders go nine points clear at the top of the table. Most notably, Arne Slot’s side have an 11-point cushion over the champions.
Cody Gakpo stroked home the opener after 12 minutes to set the league leaders on their way. Mohamed Salah made sure of the points when he fired home a second-half penalty.
Van Dijk’s herculean performance certainly caught the eye throughout the largely one-sided contest. The highly-anticipated battle between the Dutchman and Haaland highlighted the gulf in class.
The Norwegian superstar battled in vein but was ultimately no match for the Liverpool captain. After the match, Carragher posted on X, formerly Twitter, praising the 33-year-old.
Jamie Carragher’s Bold Virgil Van Dijk Claim Goes Viral
VVD performance today was unbelievable! (I know he made a mistake at the end!)
He made Erling Haaland look like Alf-Inge Haaland!
The best striker v best CB should be a great battle, but it’s so easy for him.
He’s the best CB we’ve ever seen in the PL, I know the replies will…— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) December 1, 2024
“VVD performance today was unbelievable! (I know he made a mistake at the end!) He made Erling Haaland look like Alf-Inge Haaland! The best striker v best CB should be a great battle, but it’s so easy for him,” Carragher wrote.
The Sky Sports pundit then went on to explain how he always thought rival and former England teammate John Terry was the greatest ever Premier League defender. Until VVD came along.
“He’s the best CB we’ve ever seen in the PL, I know the replies will scream Liverpool bias!!!! Or compare trophies to others but that’s all nonsense. I always said it was John Terry before VVD came along & he played for one of my biggest rivals in Chelsea!!
“Trophies depend on your team or money or timing. All great defenders of the past had attackers who caused them problems, but who ever causes VVD any??
After keeping out Kylian Mbappe during the UEFA Champions League victory and backing that performance up by thwarting Haaland, Carragher playfully suggested Van Dijk could have played with a cigar on the go.
“He’s just played against Mbappe & Haaland in the last four days & played them with such ease he could’ve played with a cigar!!!! Please stop this silly debate about the best CB, it’s not even close.”
After Liverpool’s win against Manchester City, the best football betting sites in the UK price the Reds at 8/13 to win the 2024/25 Premier League title.
