---
title: "Virals: Throwback to brutal Nemanja Vidic compilation"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/virals-throwback-to-brutal-nemanja-vidic-compilation/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Articles"
published: "2021-04-02T11:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-04-02T11:00:00Z"
---

# Virals: Throwback to brutal Nemanja Vidic compilation

Former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic might’ve been a formidable opponent on his day, but very few of those days came against [Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/04/02/kevin-phillips-backs-magnificent-diogo-jota-for-starting-role/) and in particular, [Fernando Torres](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/04/02/on-this-day-dirk-kuyt-gives-liverpool-a-champions-league-lifeline/).

The Serbian colossus built a [strong partnership with Rio Ferdinand](https://www.manutd.com/en/players-and-staff/detail/rio-ferdinand) during his eight years at Old Trafford, leaving a legacy as one of the best central defenders to grace the Premier League.

Unsurprisingly since Virgil van Dijk’s meteoric rise to take[rightful place among the game’s elite](https://talksport.com/football/704197/van-dijk-best-defender-premier-league-history-kompany/) since becoming a Red, the two men have been [compared on numerous occasions](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/van-dijk-nemanja-vidic-compared-17943337).

However, just over a year ago [Don Kopleone](https://twitter.com/donkopleone) set out to prove why the two should never be compared by compiling somewhat of a[blooper compilation](https://twitter.com/donkopleone/status/1244708616399192065) – including four red cards against Liverpool.

Vidic, now 39, won [five Premier League crowns and one UEFA Champions League](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nemanja-vidic-lrm-/erfolge/spieler/19726)during his time in England but had a difficult time coping with Rafa Benitez’ side throughout.

Van Dijk, who is currently [out with a season-ending knee ligament injury](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/van-dijk-injury-update-return-23620175), has so far won [one English top-flight and one European Cup](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/virgil-van-dijk/erfolge/spieler/139208) with Liverpool, although he will be going to add to that tally next season and beyond.

Perhaps the final say should go to a [World Cup winner and top-class centre-back Frank Leboeuf](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/frank-leboeuf/erfolge/spieler/5314)who described the Dutchman as the better defender due to being a ‘more complete’ player during an interview with [ESPN TV](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QIZV-y93AU) last year.