Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant believes Virgil van Dijk is the “greatest” centre-back of the Premier League era.

Jamie Carragher made the claim on X last week and, asked for his thoughts in an exclusive interview with WalkOn.com (courtesy of  CasinoApps), Pennant said van Dijk is superior to every other defender, including ex-Chelsea captain John Terry:

“Yeah, I do [think he’s the best]. I think the next one is probably Rio Ferdinand maybe but, if you look at John Terry and then you look at Virgil van Dijk, you ask what can John Terry do that Virgil can’t? Well, there’s absolutely nothing. If anything, you know, Terry one-on-one, even if I was playing, I fancy that. I know I was probably quicker than John Terry. With Virgil, I’m turning back. I’m not running at him!”

“With the ball, you would say Virgil [is] just as good, maybe better. In the air, Virgil doesn’t lose a header so you see the importance Virgil has to Liverpool. He was second in the Ballon d’Or [not long ago]. I can’t remember a defender ever coming that [high] in my lifetime. Yes, Terry may have won more Premier Leagues, but he was probably in a better team at the time and didn’t have Manchester City chasing him down like Virgil has. So, in my opinion, it’s not a biased opinion, it’s just ability-wise, I would say Virgil van Dijk is a better defender than John all round. Yeah, the greatest in the Premier League.”

Van Dijk is playing better than ever

There were definitely doubts about whether the Dutchman would ever return to his imperious best after suffering an ACL injury a few years ago.

However, van Dijk’s form this season has earned him plaudits from all quarters of the game. His performance against Erling Haaland during the 2-0 win over Manchester City last weekend was particularly notable.

Liverpool’s rivals are keen to play down the Dutchman’s ability

Of course, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal supporters will champion their own players as being the greatest in Premier League history.

It is therefore not a surprise when van Dijk’s achievements are belittled or played down. The fact is, though, the 33-year-old has won every major trophy in club football so you can’t deny his pedigree, especially considering the era that he is playing in.

Read more from our exclusive interview with Jermaine Pennant – he talked to my colleague Dylan Oakley about Mo Salah’s contract situation here.