Former Premier League striker Jonathan Walters believes Virgil van Dijk is not quite at the level of Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany just yet.
The Liverpool star recently won the PFA Player of the Year award following his exploits at Anfield throughout the season, but his status among the very best who have competed in the Premier League remains in question.
Van Dijk joined the Reds in January 2018 from Southampton in a £75 million deal, making him the world’s most-expensive ever defender, but a former Burnley and Stoke City attacker does not think he has reached the heights that City star Kompany has.
Jonathan Walters, speaking exclusively to 888sport, explained why he feels the Netherlands captain narrowly falls short of the mark in comparison with the Belgian. He said:
You have got to go with Vincent Kompany over Van Dijk for winning the Premier League as captain.
To be up there with the best you have to be winning things. Virgil van Dijk has had a great 18 months and as good as he’s been you have to be doing it for at least four, five years before you can be considered right up there.
Look at Ramos, Busquets, Pique. Those players are the world’s best because they’ve been doing it consistently winning trophies, leagues, Champions Leagues.
Walters does, however, believe that if Van Dijk can continue to perform with consistency and take the captain’s armband at Liverpool, he could be on the right path. The former Republic of Ireland international said:
There is a good probability that Virgil Van Dijk is going to be captain next year and he just needs to keep it up, keep doing it. Like Vincent Kompany who has been doing it for so many years.
He’s older now and injuries have taken their toll but they’re right at the top of the league and he’s still played a major part this season.
They are different players but by virtue of winning the league and being so consistent over the years, it’s Kompany for me.
Read the full 888sport interview with Jonathan Walters including his thoughts on what is like to live a life of a professional footballer in the modern era.
