Rio Ferdinand is adamant that Sergio Ramos is remains the best defender on the planet and Virgil van Dijk cannot take that title until he wins some trophies.
Van Dijk has earned plenty of plaudits for his performances for Liverpool this season, but Ferdinand believes he needs some silverware to be considered the best in the world.
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In fact, the former Manchester United and England man does not think Van Dijk has even been the best player in the Premier League this season, never mind anywhere on Earth.
Despite Real Madrid having a poor season in La Liga and the Champions League, Ferdinand still holds Ramos in the highest regard.
Ferdinand was asked if Van Dijk was currently the greatest defender in the world and replied: ‘I’d still put Sergio Ramos there.
‘Ramos, when the big games come up, the trophies are there to be won, he’s normally standing there with his sleeves rolled up.
‘He is not being shifted at the moment. To be considered the best in the world, you have got to win stuff as well.
‘You cannot just play well for your team and sit there as runner-up or coming third or fourth.
‘That’s why, when people talk about Player of the Year and you see they haven’t won anything but they are the best player, I am thinking: “How? You haven’t influenced a team to win things.”
‘You need to be part of a team that is winning to be considered like that.
‘Virgil is a fantastic player, potentially the best in the world but, right now, no.
‘If Liverpool win the league it’s legit, but it would feel odd if he is the best player and they have come second or third.’
It was put to Ferdinand that Van Dijk could win the Premier League Player of the Season, but Rio wasn’t having that either.
‘Virgil? No, no. There’s Raheem Sterling.
‘Heung-Min Son, though Tottenham have not won anything yet, Sergio Aguero, David Silva. Bernardo Silva, by the way.’
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