Former Stoke and Ipswich striker Jonathan Walters believes Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk still has a way to go to match the level of Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany.
The retired forward claims Kompany’s consistency over the years, as well as his trophy haul, make him the better defender currently:
“You have got to go with Vincent Kompany over Van Dijk for winning the Premier League as captain. To be up there with the best you have to be winning things.”
“Virgil Van Dijk has had a great 18 months and as good as he’s been you have to be doing it for at least four, five years before you can be considered right up there.”
Liverpool fans on Twitter were not having that argument:
Everton fan in putting down Liverpool player shocker!!
— Daniel heselden (@DanielHeselden) 3 May 2019
I’m glad he’s not at the same level, VVD shouldn’t drop down for anyone…
— Steve Aspinall (@aspmeister) 3 May 2019
Reread that with the words ‘ Everton supporting’ at the start. It then makes sense.
— Lee Nichols (@leenichols76) 3 May 2019
???????
— supersubfairclough (@ANF1978) 3 May 2019
Vincent Kompany WAS great now he is just living off his rep and would not get a look in KFC team never mind LFC team.
— 7 the magic number (@Redronan65) 3 May 2019
Won more, no doubt about that… not currently better.. crazy arguement…
— graham w (@gra_watterson) 3 May 2019
Djimi Traoré won the Champions League. better than any Man City player ever.
— Nathan Hazell (@HazellNathan) 3 May 2019
Why do you have to win anything to be better teams win leagues and cups not individuals
— john kershaw (@Yorkshireredboy) 4 May 2019
Bitter blue
— Ant Fairclough (@ant7LFC) 3 May 2019
Van Dijk’s impact on the Reds’ defence is proof enough of the Dutchman’s ability. It is a testament to the centre-back’s quality that the Merseysider’s now have the best defensive record in the league after a number of seasons struggling to keep out opposition teams.
His excellent performances during his 18 months at Liverpool have more than justified the £75m the club shelled out on him.
Consistency over a long period is certainly a barometer of greatness, but on current form, there’s no doubt that van Dijk is one of the world’s best defenders.