Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has claimed Manchester City centre-back Ruben Dias is already ‘at the level’ Virgil van Dijk.
Van Dijk made an unprecedented impact inside his first six months with the Reds, guiding Jurgen Klopp’s side to a UEFA Champions League final, only to be beaten by Real Madrid.
However, some 24 months later, Van Dijk, who is currently sidelined with a knee ligament injury, had lifted the Champions League, Premier League and FIFA World Club Cup.
The 23-year-old, Dias, was signed for £65million (Sky Sports) from Benfica last summer and has undoubtedly improved a well-furnished City backline.
Following Pep Guardiola’s men qualifying for their first European showpiece final, Carragher told CBS Sports on Paramount+ (04/05/21 at 10:25 pm) that Dias is on par with the injury absent Red.
Without a doubt (on the same level). I think in his first season he has produced at Man City. I think he’s at that level. I don’t think he’s blessed with the physical attributes of Van Dijk. So, in some ways, I am more impressed with Dias. When you watch Van Dijk, it’s like watching a Rolls-Royce, you just think the way he moves. Most players don’t have that. And Dias probably hasn’t got that. So, he has probably has to concentrate more and be side on constantly.
Klopp has sorely missed the Dutch colossus this season, compounded by season-ending injuries to fellow central defenders Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.
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Although Dias has been superb this season, comparing the two and their impact in the circumstances is akin to comparing apples and oranges.
Van Dijk arrived into a Liverpool side some way off the pinnacle, slotting into a defence made up of academy graduates and bargain buys – albeit extremely talented ones.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese defender has further bolstered a £300million plus defensive department – doing so for one season thus far.
