Rio Ferdinand makes new admission on Liverpool’s Van Dijk – ‘I’d love to see…’
Rio Ferdinand has shared something he would “love to see” regarding Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk.
Van Dijk is widely considered as one of the best defenders to ever grace the Premier League, but debate rages on over whether he is as good as the likes of the ex-Manchester United star and John Terry.
His trophy tally does not match, but on ability alone, it is a close argument.
And Ferdinand may have solved the dispute with his latest comments on whether Van Dijk would thrive in his era.
Ferdinand makes Van Dijk admission
The Manchester United legend admitted he believes Van Dijk could cope with the differences between the Premier League now and back when he used to play.
Speaking with Andy Cole on the Rio Presents podcast (3 March), he said: “I look at Van Dijk, I’d love to see Van Dijk in our era.
“I think he would be able to adapt, yeah, I just don’t think he would make it look as easy as he does now, he would have two guys roughing him up every day.
“I think Virgil would still be one of the best ones around, 100 per cent but it wouldn’t be looking as easy, now it looks like he’s got his slippers on with a cigar, just chilling.”
Liverpool need to sort Van Dijk contract
Liverpool need to sort Van Dijk’s contract out as soon as possible. It is unfathomable that he could leave Anfield on a free transfer in the summer after potentially lifting his second league title.
The 33-year-old is still at the peak of his powers, stifling opposition attackers on a regular basis despite suffering a brutal ACL injury in the 2020/21 season that could have set his career back massively.
| Stats (all competitions) | Played | Goals | Red cards |
| Van Dijk | 307 | 26 | 1 |
The fact that Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been allowed to run down their contracts is negligent from owners Fenway Sports Group and the trio can agree on a pre-contract deal with foreign clubs at any point from now until the end of the campaign.
The Dutchman would potentially be the biggest loss of all because he may be the hardest to replace if he does depart Merseyside, as the security that he offers allows Slot’s side to take more risk when they are in possession knowing that he is at the back.
Ibrahima Konate is a colossus alongside him and arguably as good when he is fit, but the likes of Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah are a significant downgrade on the former Southampton star, so the Reds would need to enter the transfer market if he does leave.