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Van Dijk 'far better than Vidic' says Carragher in response to Liverpool star's critics

talksport.com, 10 April 2023, 11:41
Jamie Carragher has leaped to the defence of Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk, insisting he is 'far better than Nemanja Vidic'.

The 31-year-old has come under increasing scrutiny this season, and was under-fire again for his performance in Liverpool's 2-2 draw against Arsenal on Sunday.

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Van Dijk was at fault for the Gunners' first goal, as he attempted to clear the ball away.

Instead, the Netherlands international played it into the path of Gabriel Martinelli, who then toe poked the ball beyond Alisson Becker.

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His display certainly got fans and social media channels questioning his performance levels.

Many referenced previous comparisons with Chelsea legend John Terry, Man City's Vincent Kompany, and Manchester United icons Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

And that prompted Carragher to take to Twitter, claiming Van Dijk remains the 'best centre-back in the league'.

Carragher wrote on social media: "VVD is far better than Vidic, who was a top centre-back - have you forgot his performances against Torres?"

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The Reds' one-club legend was speaking in relation to Vidic's performance against Fernando Torres, when Liverpool ran riot at Old Trafford winning 4-1 in March 2009.

Carragher added: "Rio and JT had poor seasons in their career like all players, VVD is having one now. No centre-back in the Premier League era has ever had VVD's impact on a team.

"Never mind the best centre-back in the league, he's been the best player in the league along with Kevin de Bruyne for four years before this one.

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"We have never spoken about about other centre-backs's being the best player before, that shows the level he was at."

Van Dijk has arguably been the best defender in the world over the past few years but, like his Liverpool teammates, his drop off and performance levels have been questioned.

Liverpool, who are eighth in the Premier League, head to Elland Road next weekend to face Leeds as they look to end a forgettable campaign on a positive note and attempt to rescue their Champions League bid.

Read full version: https://talksport.com/football/1389749/liverpool-virgil-van-dijk-far-better-nemanja-vidic-jamie-carragher-man-utd/
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  • Alisson Becker
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  • Gabriel Martinelli
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  • Jamie Carragher
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