Former Coach Explains What Makes Van Dijk Better Than United’s Vidic

Former Groningen head coach Pieter Huistra believes Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk is a better defender than Ex-United player Nemanja Vidic.

Van Dijk played under Huistra for two years, and when asked to make a comparison to the former Serbian international, he said the Dutchman was a more complete player:

“I’m biased anyway, so I would choose Virgil. He has more, he has a little bit more. Vidic, of course, without any doubt was a very good player, he played in a top team.”

“In my view, Virgil has everything. He has the flair, he has the technique, he has the passing, he has the defensive leadership, he has the personality that catches people’s eye. I just admire the strengths of certain players.”

After an outstanding season for both club and country, a number of his Dutch teammates, as well as former players, believe van Dijk would deserve the Ballon d’Or this year.

The last defender to win the accolade was Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 following Italy’s triumph at the World Cup.

Van Dijk’s Champions League win with Liverpool could move him into the frame for the award, but many still see Lionel Messi as the favourite for the honour.

The Argentinian wizard scored 51 goals and contributed 22 assists in 50 matches for Barcelona. In comparison, the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo managed 39 and 28 goals respectively last campaign.