Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has named the best centre-back in the Premier League.
Virgil van Dijk had previously been heralded as one of the best in the world by Ferdinand as he told his podcast last month: “When he’s fit, over the last couple of years, I think [Van Dijk’s] been the go-to guy.
“He had the biggest impact on a team, I think, in terms of centre backs over the last probably three years."
Now, he's named a new 'best centre-back' in the league, with Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger receiving the plaudits.
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The Germany international has started all of the London club's matches so far this season and he scored in their 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
"Since Tuchel has come I think he’s arguably been the best centre-back," he told his podcast Vibe with Five . "I think him and [Ruben] Dias would have been close but the effect he has had on his team has been immense.
"Under Frank [Lampard] , it was evident he wasn’t Frank’s cup of tea. He didn’t really like him. There were rumours they were trying to put him in the market to be sold.
"In Germany, he’s always been highly thought of. But when the manager doesn’t rate you and you can feel that, I don’t care who you are your confidence takes a beating and it’s hard to perform at that level."
The 28-year-old is in the final year of his deal with Chelsea and is yet to agree fresh terms to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.
He joined from AS Roma in 2017 for an initial £29 million on a five-year deal, but could be available on a free transfer next summer with European clubs circling.
Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk returned to Liverpool's starting line-up this season after a long injury lay off saw him miss the majority of the previous campaign.
Manchester City defender Ruben Dias was also overlooked by Ferdinand despite being voted Premier League player of the season last term.
