Former Liverpool captain, Jamie Carragher, has sparked a heated debate on social media after claiming Liverpool centre-back Virgil Van Dijk "is far better" former Manchester United defender, Nemanja Vidic.
The former England international chose Van Dijk over Vidic while defending the 31-year-old's drop in form.
In response to a tweet about Van Dijk's poor form, Carragher stated that the Liverpool man is "far better than Vidic."
“VVD is far better than Vidic, who was a top CB, but have you forgot his performances against Torres?" he tweeted.
He further linked Van Dijk's poor season to spell those of great defenders like Rio Ferdinand and John Terry.
“Rio & JT had poor seasons in their career like all players, VVD is having one now."
He also argued that no centre-back in Premier League history has ever had such an impact on a team as Van Dijk.
"No CB in the PL era has ever had VVD’s impact on a team,” he concluded.
His tweet was in response to a tweet by Football Tweet that had Van Dijk's picture with the caption: “Virgil Van Dijk's drop off is actually insane. People were comparing him to Terry, Kompany, Rio and Vidić.”
Some football fans who disagree with Sky Sports pundit have hit back at him, arguing why Van Dijk is not at the level of the Manchester United legend.
Whereas a section side with Carragher, saying Van Dijk is the best in PL history.
He joined Liverpool in 2018 after two and half seasons with Southampton.
VVD is far better than Vidic, who was a top CB, but have you forgot his performances against Torres?
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) April 10, 2023
Rio & JT had poor seasons in their career like all players, VVD is having one now.
No CB in the PL era has ever had VVD’s impact on a team. https://t.co/rZ7vfHRN7d
If you or anyone thinks Vidic is better than VVD you’re not watching the same game!
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) April 10, 2023
He’s miles better!! https://t.co/Oc6CJ24EMY
Passing, pace, in the air, 1v1 defending, the roads, sanitation, the aqueduct…… https://t.co/qMaCAA57W8
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) April 10, 2023
Vvd can't even chat to Tony Adams. Captained his club from 21 til retirement. Led them to four titles and 7 other trophies in two different eras. Vvd a myth and hes showing it this season. Shouldn't even be on that list tbh
— Bobby ???????????????????????????????????? (@bobbybrownyo) April 11, 2023
No gooner says vvd over Mr Arsenal https://t.co/8t2lBJU1s5
The way these Liverpool fans be comparing VVD to all time greats is scary , is like they never had an elite CB until VVD came to the picture .. LMAO , guess they are right when you have to watch Carragher for more than a decade, even I will push the VVD agenda ????♂️ https://t.co/MWFdUxyC6r
— cameron fontana Alberto ???????????? (@cameron_fontana) April 11, 2023
If it comes to pure leadership then definitely Tony Adams.
— Vivian Varun (@GunnerVivs) April 11, 2023
If it comes to bully ball and technical ability its definitely Prime Van Dijk. https://t.co/PjSLemmWJM
Which one of those defenders went head to head with arguably the greatest footballer of all time for the balon d'or??
— . (@Olamaak) April 11, 2023
I mean only 1 of them even won uefa player of the year man..against prime messi and Ronaldo too https://t.co/w3IkbhaeE7
Virgil van Dijk, prime for prime, is the best CB in Premier League history. Stop gaslighting younger fans. I watched them all in their prime week-in, week-out. Vidic was good but isn’t even better than Sol Campbell, let alone VVD. Only Rio and Terry can chat to prime VVD. https://t.co/ltBMdqIHpc
— Mo (@MoArsenal86) April 10, 2023
Vidic vs van Dijk in The Premier League
— Football Factly (@FootballFactly) April 10, 2023
Games: 211-220
Goals Conceded: 133-202
Clean Sheet: 95-90
Blocks: 139-111
Interceptions: 368-338
Tackles: 363-225
Tackles Won: 274-153
Clearances: 2,232-1,133
Headed Clearances: 1,385-634
Error Leading Goal: 3-4
Vidic 11-0 van Dijk. pic.twitter.com/hfjWVnpBaJ
Hats off to Carragher. He might be a genius
— Ste Howson (@MrStephenHowson) April 10, 2023
Won’t call out Klopp so come out swinging today and made the conversation Vidic or Van Dijk.
But - it’s just a distraction from the fact Liverpool are going to finish lower than any of the failures United had the past decade. pic.twitter.com/hCuLr2OMV2
Nemanja Vidić in the Premier League:
— Squawka (@Squawka) April 10, 2023
◉ The first defender to be named Player of the Season
◉ The only defender to be named Player of the Season twice
◉ The highest win percentage of any defender with 200+ appearances
A five-time winner. pic.twitter.com/ggvPUFfAGR
EE/OGB
