Rio Ferdinand claims Virgil van Dijk must address some ‘teething issues’ after struggling against West Ham… but Liverpool star is still ‘the best centre back in the world’ despite enduring nine months of injury hell
- Former Man United defender Rio Ferdinand has had his say on Virgil van Dijk
- The Dutchman was the topic of conversation in his latest FIVE podcast online
- Ferdinand believes Liverpool ace Van Dijk remains the world’s best centre back
- He also insisted the 30-year-old has had ‘issues’ since his return from injury
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes Virgil van Dijk remains the best central defender in world football – despite some recent struggles.
Ferdinand was watching on as Jurgen Klopp’s team put in an abject performance against West Ham on Sunday, and noted that Van Dijk was not at his imperious best against the Hammers.
In fact, Ferdinand believes some ‘teething problems’ have been highlighted since the Dutchman returned to the fold following a nine-month injury lay-off due to an ACL rupture, but he insists Van Dijk’s overall legacy will be judged over his full career.
Rio Ferdinand (right) told his FIVE podcast that Virgil van Dijk is having some ‘teething issues’
Van Dijk, 30, was at the heart of defence as Liverpool suffered a shock defeat by West Ham
Ferdinand feels Liverpool must address a defensive slide and periods of uncertainty across the back line, and that Van Dijk himself must step up and take charge.
‘It’s who stands the length of time as well, if you could do it over a period of time,’ Ferdinand told his FIVE YouTube channel while discussing Van Dijk’s legacy.
‘There’s no doubt in my mind Virgil’s best year would stack up against most centre-backs, but you don’t get judged on that best year, you get judged over that period of time.
Ferdinand says Van Dijk will naturally have a few issues following his long ACL injury lay-off
‘I think you’ve got to think you’re the guy, you’ve got to think you’re the best… and I think Virgil, he’s the best centre-back in the world.
‘Yes there’s going to be teething problems, that’s going to happen because he’s been out for so long and he’s just getting his feet wet again, but I still believe if there’s a game right now today and I need a centre back, my first centre back on the list would be him.’
Van Dijk, 30, has featured with a series of partners since making his eagerly anticipated return to the Liverpool set-up.
So far this season, Klopp has opted to have him form a first choice defensive pairing alongside Joel Matip, yet some matches have also been played next to summer recruit Ibrahima Konate.
Liverpool also have England defender Joe Gomez chomping at the bit following a long-term injury of his own.
Ferdinand also hailed West Ham star Declan Rice as the ‘best midfielder in the country’
Rice has played a vital part in the success so far this season and was key against Liverpool
It has been a week of strong opinion from Ferdinand, who has also labelled West Ham ace Declan Rice ‘the best midfielder in the country’ following his performance in the win over Liverpool.
Ferdinand said: ‘He has arguably been the best midfielder in the country.
‘He has dominated games, he has played with maturity. The Euros, something’s clicked in him different.
‘His game management, the way he can change the pace of a game at times, we saw that at Newcastle earlier in the season. He’s added goals now. There’s a maturity in his game for one so young that he’s got levels still to go.’
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