Jamie Carragher has said Virgil van Dijk is the greatest centre-back in Premier League history and believes the conversation is ‘not even close’.
Van Dijk produced a dominant display as Liverpool beat Manchester City 2-0 on Sunday to extend their advantage at the top of the Premier League table.
The Dutch defender was up against the Premier League’s leading scorer, Erling Haaland, but restricted the forward to minimal involvement. Haaland failed to win a single duel, as Van Dijk led Liverpool to a clean sheet at Anfield.
Carragher believes Van Dijk is clear of any other centre-back to have played in the Premier League, insisting battles against the best forwards appear ‘so easy’ to the Liverpool captain.
Writing on X, Carragher said: “Virgil van Dijk 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 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 and 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?? He’s just played against Mbappe and Haaland in the last four days and 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.”
