Jamie Carragher believes John Terry is the greatest centre-back in Premier League history, choosing him ahead of Virgil van Dijk.
The Liverpool legend enjoying a glittering Anfield career, winning the Champions League in 2005 and making the second-most appearances (737) for the Reds, beaten only by Ian Callaghan.
Carragher knows a thing or two about what makes a great centre-back, having both played against and alongside some world-class figures over the years.
Speaking to talkSPORT, the 42-year-old revealed that Terry would get his pick over anyone else when it comes to discussing the best Premier League centre-backs ever:
For me he (Terry) was the best centre back of the Premier League era. He was my type of player. He was basically a better version of me to be honest.
I think his football ability is massively underrated. He was a great player. When I was going through my list I didn’t have an English player and I wanted to get someone in there and I thought I’d go for John Terry as I couldn’t get Stevie [Gerrard] in!
He could switch the ball 40/50 yards on his left foot. I always felt it was John Terry who was the defender and Rio Ferdinand was the footballer, but Rio was a much better defender than he was given credit for and I think John Terry was a much better footballer than he was given credit for.
Read Liverpool Verdict
Although Terry was a wonderful player, proving to be such an inspirational figure for Chelsea, I still think Van Dijk is the best there has been in the Premier League.
As a centre-back, the Dutchman has everything to his game, whether it be blistering pace, brute strength, expert reading of the game or dominance in the air.
Granted, the 29-year-old doesn’t yet have the longevity of Terry – his current injury won’t help matters – but he is an imperious footballer without equals in the current game.
If Van Dijk can return from injury the same player, and enjoy several more years at the top, his reputation should only be further enhanced.
Comments.
Loading comments…