Ex-Manchester United great Jaap Stam has admitted his fellow Dutchman Virgil Van Dijk may be playing at a level even higher than he did during his time as a player.
Stam represented United between 1998-2001 and became well-known for his tough tackling and no nonsense attitude, helping his side win six trophies during his spell at Old Trafford.
Liverpool centre-back Van Dijk has had an equally positive effect on his team, and recently came second in the Ballon d’Or, just missing out on the top prize to Lionel Messi.
Speaking to Stadium Astro Stam was able to put the United-Liverpool rivalry to one side to admit how impressed he has been by Van Dijk’s recent form.
(Image: REUTERS)
“It’s always been discussed in Holland and everybody was saying ‘we need another defender like Jaap’, and eventually Virgil came out and he started late,” Stam said.
“He didn’t grow up in the academy of a PSV or Ajax. He built his own career by starting at smaller teams and eventually going to Scotland as well and then coming into the UK. You need to work for yourself and he did it.”
When asked how he would compare his level as a player to that of Van Dijk, Stam added “Yeah, maybe he’s even better, I don’t know.
“But Virgil is a presence. That’s very important as a football player if you want to play in the highest leagues and the biggest clubs.
(Image: REUTERS)
“Positioning yourself is very important. In possession but also out of possession because it helps you a lot. You get more time to do things as well and he’s doing a fantastic job.”
Van Dijk and his teammates are back in action on Tuesday night as they try to secure qualification to the knockout stages of the Champions League when they take on Red Bull Salzburg.
