Carragher claims struggling Liverpool player is ‘far better’ than Man Utd legend
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher reckons Virgil van Dijk is “far better” than former Man Utd defender Nemanja Vidic despite his recent struggles.
The Netherlands international has come in for criticism this season with Liverpool currently eighth in the Premier League and out of all cup competitions.
Liverpool have already conceded 35 goals this season in the Premier League compared with 26 in the whole of the last league campaign.
There have been many theories as to why the Reds have dropped off so much this term after being two games away from an unprecedented Quadruple last season.
A number of their players have definitely been underperforming with the midfield and defence taking the brunt of the criticism.
One social media channel suggested there has been a big ‘drop off’ in Van Dijk’s performances this season and previous comparisions with ‘Terry, Kompany, Rio and Vidic’ were questioned.
Van Dijk has looked far from assured when fit this term but Carragher has jumped to the defence of the Liverpool defender and thinks he’s far better than Man Utd legend Vidic.
Carragher wrote on Twitter: “VVD is far better than Vidic, who was a top CB, but have you forgot his performances against Torres?”
Before the Liverpool legend added: “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.
“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.
“We have never spoken about about other CB’s being the best player before, that shows the level he was at.”
Van Dijk was criticised in the Reds’ 2-2 draw against Arsenal with Jesus able to rise above the Netherlands international to head in the Gunners’ second goal of the game.
When speaking about the goal, former Man Utd midfielder Roy Keane told Sky Sports: “Really poor defending. Liverpool not at it. No intensity. Jesus standing in the middle of the box. Van Dijk’s ball watching. There’s no pressure on the ball. Far too easy for Arsenal. I bet he can’t believe his luck.”
Gary Neville later added: “There is an element of luck in that Liverpool back four. You can defend them as they have the credit in the bank over the years, the performances, but it’s getting really difficult.
“They’re not doing the basics. Even there, Trent not sprinting back. Van Dijk idling across, legging someone up. It’s schoolboy stuff.”
READ MORE: Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal: The ‘big baby’, Xhaka and the ‘delightful turmoil’ of football
