LISTEN TO THE FULL POD: linktr.ee/warrafootball In this video the boys pick their 'drop, bench, start' between Rio Ferdinand, John Terry and Virgil Van Dijk.
The obvious and most logical answer would be van dijk > everyone mentioned for the simple fact that van dijk is the most complete defender you could muster when you design a near flaweless CB. Just look at the attributes and skillset. He is faster than the slow John Terry, more physical than Rio and more composed than your Vidic. Rio and Vidic needed eachother because they complement eachother. Virgil van Dijk doesn't need complementing and is able to lead a defensive unit with youngsters. Stats are another thing that is in his favor, but doesnt paint the entire picture since football era's differ where more is expected from a defender in modern football. On the flipside, the game today has less iconic strikers than in the age where Terry & co had to defend. But the gameplan in modern football is also changed where its normal to play with just one striker but use other offensive minded players to penetrate the backline, forcing defenders to cover more space. One point you could use against van Dijk is longevity and I'd agree that this disadvantage is hard to overlook. But imo he has been a proven player while being a latebloomer.
Probably the hardest convo in terms of Prem. Vin Dijk is almost a juiced up Rio. So it's gotta be JT, VVD, Rio
Thiago silva is best
1.Terry
The obvious and most logical answer would be van dijk > everyone mentioned for the simple fact that van dijk is the most complete defender you could muster when you design a near flaweless CB. Just look at the attributes and skillset. He is faster than the slow John Terry, more physical than Rio and more composed than your Vidic. Rio and Vidic needed eachother because they complement eachother. Virgil van Dijk doesn't need complementing and is able to lead a defensive unit with youngsters. Stats are another thing that is in his favor, but doesnt paint the entire picture since football era's differ where more is expected from a defender in modern football. On the flipside, the game today has less iconic strikers than in the age where Terry & co had to defend. But the gameplan in modern football is also changed where its normal to play with just one striker but use other offensive minded players to penetrate the backline, forcing defenders to cover more space. One point you could use against van Dijk is longevity and I'd agree that this disadvantage is hard to overlook. But imo he has been a proven player while being a latebloomer.