Man United fans shut down Jamie Carragher for latest Vidic vs Van Dijk claim

After Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal on Sunday evening, there was a lot of discourse surrounding where Virgil van Dijk stands among the Premier League’s greatest centre-backs.

There has always been a long-standing debate as to who are the greatest centre-backs to play in England’s top flight.

However, the three names that are mentioned more often than anyone else are Manchester United‘s Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidić, as well as Chelsea‘s John Terry.

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These three players are some of the most successful defenders, the Premier League has ever seen, winning multiple domestic and European titles in their respective careers.

Virgil van Dijk, however, has become a more recent entry into the debate of the Premier League’s greatest-ever centre-back after he won the Champions League and Premier League with Liverpool, transforming their side in the process.

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Liverpool legend and current Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher argued on Monday morning that Van Dijk’s impact on Liverpool is the greatest ever impact a centre-back has had on a Premier League side since his signing.

“VVD is far better than Vidic, who was a top CB, but have you forgot his performances against [Fernando] Torres?” He claimed on Twitter.

“Rio & JT [John Terry] 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.”

This was quickly shut down by Manchester United fans, who pointed out that Nemanja Vidić only conceded three goals in 12 appearances against Liverpool’s Spanish frontman.

Carragher wouldn’t back down, however, claiming that those who feel Vidić was better than Van Dijk do not watch the ‘same game’.

“If you or anyone thinks Vidic is better than VVD you’re not watching the same game! He’s miles better!!”

Furthering his point, he then once again claimed that Van Dijk has had an impact that has never been seen before in the Premier League.

The logic behind this claim was that a Premier League defender has never been discussed as one of the best players in the league.

“Never mind the best CB in the league, he’s been the best player in the league along with KDB for four years before this one,” he said.

“We have never spoken about about other CB’s being the best player before, that shows the level he was at.”

Once again, Manchester United fans pointed out that Vidić in fact won the Premier League Player of the Season award twice during an era which arguably had more attacking talent than the current one, rendering Carragher’s argument null and void.

Of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. However, considering the longevity of Nemanja Vidić’s career, it’s hard to argue that he is not the greatest centre-back to play in the Premier League.