Former Everton star claims Virgil van Dijk has 'more to his game' than Rio Ferdinand

What's the story?

Former Republic of Ireland international Kevin Kilbane is of the belief that Liverpool center-back Virgil van Dijk will become a better defender than Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand.

In case you didn't know...

Van Dijk has risen through the ranks at Anfield since his arrival from Southampton in January 2018. The Dutchman, who pulls the strings at the heart of the Reds' defense, has emerged as one of the best defenders in the world in the past year alone.

The Premier League leaders have conceded only 18 goals in 31 games in the English top flight so far this season and a lot of the credit has been given to Van Dijk and goal-keeper Alisson Becker.

The former Southampton defender is also a favorite to win the PFA Player of the Year award. Former Chelsea captain John Terry was the last defender to have won the prize in 2005.

The heart of the matter

Van Dijk has clearly impressed Kilbane who has claimed that the Dutchman has "more to his game" than Ferdinand, who won six Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy in his career.

Speaking to Irish radio station Newstalk (via The Sport Review),

"He’s going into the territory of the being the best defender I’ve seen live."

"Liverpool have had Hansen but Van Dijk controls the game from his position. It’s amazing to see him."

"I think he’s getting into that territory along with top defenders like Rio Ferdinand and John Terry. Van Dijk has more to his game than Ferdinand."

"He is a better passer, he is more aggressive when he needs to be and he has that calm streak about him. Potentially, he’ll be better than Ferdinand."

What's next?

Liverpool are scheduled to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on March 31.