Manchester United hero Rio Ferdinand says if he had to choose one defender he would opt for his former teammate Nemanja Vidic over Virgil van Dijk.
Ferdinand and Vidic formed a formidable partnership at the back for United under Sir Alex Ferguson, and together they won five Premier League trophies and a Champions League.
Liverpool's van Dijk, however, has become arguably the best centre-back currently playing during his time at Anfield, and was runner-up in last year's Ballon d'Or.
During an Instagram Q&A Ferdinand said that although he found it difficult to choose, he would pick Vidic at his peak over van Dijk.
"Prime van Dijk or prime Vidic? Ooooh, good question," he said. "I’ve got to go with Vidic because he was my partner, man. He was my partner. He covered my back and I covered his. That was it.
“I love van Dijk, don’t get me wrong. I love him. Best defender in the world now, definitely.
“I’d love to have seen him play in our time, seen what he was about. That would have been interesting. But top player.”
Ferdinand is not the only person who has been comparing van Dijk and Vidic in recent weeks, with former World Cup winner Frank Leboef insisting the Dutchman comes out on top.
Asked which centre-back he rated most highly, Leboeuf told ESPN FC : "I would go for van Dijk . I think he's more complete.
"I loved Vidic, because I think he was a dog, and a fantastic defender. But van Dijk can lead the team, and has range.
"I don't think Vidic was capable of doing that. Hats off to Vidic, though."
Van Dijk was on the brink of helping Liverpool to a first top flight title in 30 years before the coronavirus crisis saw the season suspended, and it remains to be seen when he and his teammates eventually return to action.
