Former Everton manager Sam Allardyce has dismissed claims that Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is the greatest centre-back in Premier League history. However, he concedes that should Van Dijk lead Liverpool to the league title this season, it would be one of the most remarkable achievements in the competition’s history.
Van Dijk has been in sensational form this season, playing a pivotal role in Liverpool’s strong start to the campaign. The Reds have secured 11 wins from their first 13 matches, establishing a nine-point lead at the top of the table. His commanding performance in Liverpool’s recent 2-0 victory over Manchester City, where he effectively neutralized Erling Haaland, earned high praise. Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher went so far as to declare Van Dijk the best centre-back in Premier League history, surpassing Chelsea legend John Terry.
Allardyce, who played as a centre-back during his career with teams like Bolton Wanderers and Millwall, strongly disagrees with Carragher’s assessment.
“I don’t believe Van Dijk is the best of all time,” Allardyce stated. “When you look at the calibre of centre-backs the Premier League has seen over the years, it’s hard to rank him as number one. I’d place him in the top six, but not at the very top.”
He pointed out that Van Dijk’s game was affected following a serious cruciate ligament injury sustained against Everton, noting that the Dutchman seemed to lose some sharpness and struggled to read the game as effectively. However, Allardyce acknowledged Van Dijk’s remarkable recovery and return to peak form.
“He’s undoubtedly among the best right now, and Liverpool would struggle significantly without him,” Allardyce added. “But labeling him the greatest of all time is a bold statement, and perhaps one influenced by Carragher’s loyalty to Liverpool.”
