Virgil van Dijk has more to his game than Rio Ferdinand.
That's according to former Republic of Ireland midfielder Kevin Kilbane, who has had his say on the two world-class centre-backs.
Ferdinand is widely regarded to be one of the best defenders of all time.
The Manchester United legend won six Premier League trophies and the Champions League once during his playing career and also formed one of the best centre-back partnerships of all time alongside Nemanja Vidic.
Ferdinand was even part of the famous 2008 Manchester United team that won the double.
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Van Dijk has won titles in Scotland with Celtic but is yet to taste Premier League glory or to lift the Champions League trophy.
It is therefore hard to compare the careers of the two players at this point, but Kilbane believes Van Dijk might be better than Ferdinand.
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"He's going into the territory of the being the best defender I've seen live," Kilbane told Irish radio station Newstalk.
"Liverpool have had Hansen but Van Dijk controls the game from his position. It's amazing to see him.
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"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."
