Manchester United great Rio Ferdinand was asked to choose between former defensive partner Nemanja Vidic and current Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk.
Ferdinand and Vidic spent nine seasons together at Old Trafford, helping United lift major honours with Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm, and are regarded by many as one of the greatest centre-back partnerships in history.
Following his record-breaking move to Liverpool, van Dijk has earned comparisons to the United duo due to his commanding performances in Jurgen Klopp's back four.
Van Dijk was crucial to Liverpool's Champions League triumph last season and looks set to add a Premier League crown to his cabinet at the end of the season.
Ferdinand admitted the Dutchman was the best defender in the world but would give Vidic the nod if he had to choose between the two.
"Prime Van Dijk or prime Vidic? Ooooh, good question!" he said during an Instagram Q&A.
“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.”
