Jamie Carragher has declared that Virgil van Dijk is the greatest centre-back in Premier League history, stating that the debate "is not even close."
Van Dijk's performance was key in Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday, further solidifying their lead at the top of the Premier League table. The Dutch defender was tasked with stopping Premier League top scorer Erling Haaland but managed to restrict the forward to very little action. Haaland failed to win a single duel, and Van Dijk helped secure a clean sheet for Liverpool at Anfield.
Carragher believes Van Dijk stands out above all other centre-backs to have played in the Premier League, noting that facing the best forwards seems "so easy" for the Liverpool captain.
On X, Carragher wrote:
“Virgil van Dijk’s 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 centre-back should be a great battle, but it’s so easy for him. He’s the best CB we’ve ever seen in the Premier League. I know people will claim Liverpool bias or compare trophies, but that’s all nonsense."
Carragher continued,
“I always said it was John Terry before VVD came along, and he played for one of my biggest rivals in Chelsea! Trophies depend on your team, money, or timing."
He also pointed out that, unlike other great defenders in history, Van Dijk doesn't seem to face challenges from attackers: “All great defenders had attackers who caused them problems, but who causes VVD any?? He’s just played against Mbappe and Haaland in the last four days and made them look easy! He could’ve played with a cigar!!”
Carragher concluded,
“Please stop this silly debate about the best CB, it’s not even close.”
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