Throughout the first decade of the 21st century, the Premier League was full of world-class centre-backs. One of the greatest-ever centre-back pairs, Man United’s Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic and Chelsea’s John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho, who conceded only 15 goals in 38 Premier League games in the 2004/2005 season, were only some of them.However, after they left the big scene, England’s top tier lacked an authoritative figure in defence until Virgil van Dijk appeared. The Dutchman joined Liverpool in 2018 after three years with Southampton and immediately improved then Jurgen Klopp’s team, winning the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League a year later.Van Dijk’s future with Liverpool is uncertain and he finally speaks outConsidered arguably the best centre-back in the world in this decade, Van Dijk has the utmost credibility to comment on the young defenders who have recently appeared in English football, some of which could be his successors.Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the 33-year-old specifically highlighted one name – William Saliba – admitting the Frenchman’s immense quality.”He’s the first one I just have in mind now. He’s a solid one. I think in possession, he’s doing a good job. I think, if I’m honest, when I was that age, I was nowhere near where he was today,” stated Liverpool captain.🚨 “You know, I think if I’m honest, when I was that age, I was nowhere near where he was today.” – VAN DIJK ON SALIBA.pic.twitter.com/oRLgN1bmqR— THE RED ARMY (@nischal_15) November 1, 2024 VVD also modestly revealed that, despite his reputation, he still watches other centre-backs and tries to learn from them.”Obviously, that’s the beauty of football as well, I like to watch other defenders and pick up so many stuff from them. There are so many good ball players and centre halves. When you watch the game, I definitely watch games, especially on the highest level, you can always pick up certain things,” Van Dijk said.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 10Saturday15.30: (3.90) Newcastle (3.60) Arsenal (2.05)18.00: (5.60) Bournemouth (3.90) Man.City (1.62)18.00: (2.35) Ipswich (3.50) Leicester (3.15)18.00: (1.45) Liverpool (4.50) Brighton (7.00)18.00: (2.20) Nott.Forest (3.50) West Ham (3.45)18.00: (2.60) Southampton (3.35) Everton (2.70)20.30: (2.60) Wolverhampton (3.30) Crystal Palace (2.75)Sunday 17.00: (1.95) Tottenham (3.85) Aston Villa (3.60)19.30: (2.70) Man.Utd. (3.40) Chelsea (2.60)***odds are subject to change***
