Phil Jones believes Virgil van Dijk would have still been ‘incredible’ in a different Premier League era.
The former Manchester United defender hailed the Liverpool captain as he compared him to Rio Ferdinand.
X / @SkySportsPLJones’ decision may be unpopular with United fans[/caption]
GettyVan Dijk has been ‘incredible’ for Liverpool says Jones[/caption]
Jones had been asked by Jamie Redknapp on Sky Sports to pick between the two centre-backs.
The ex-England man started by explaining: “I think for a modern day centre-half, what you would want, you know he’s commanding, he’s great on the ball, he’s a threat in both boxes.”
Redknapp then asked if Van Dijk would have been as good during the era Ferdinand played, highlighting the lack of teams playing two strikers at once in the modern game.
Jones added: “Yeah I think he would. I think that would be harsh to say he wouldn’t have been as good as he is now in that era. I think he still would have been top.”
Since joining the Reds in 2018, Van Dijk has made 290 appearances, scoring 25 goals from defence.
He has also won eight trophies including the Champions League, Club World Cup and Premier League.
As a result, Jones chose the Dutchman over Ferdinand, explaining: “I’ve got to go Van Dijk, just because I think what he’s given Liverpool over the last five, six years has been incredible.
“Ok, he might have had a little bit of a dip in form over the last sort of four, five months but I think he’s right up there again now.”
The 32-year-old continued: “I used to think about the players that we would come up against back then when we were fighting for titles, going to the latter stages of competitions and watching Liverpool if they were in the competition as well thinking ‘how are they going to score if Van Dijk’s on the pitch’. He’s a top player, I can’t deny that.”
Under Arne Slot this season, Van Dijk has helped Liverpool top both the Premier League and Champions League standings.
He has also scored twice and provided an assist from defence in 20 appearances across all competitions.
In those matches, the 33-year-old has kept 12 cleans sheets and conceded just 12 goals.
However, he could leave the club at the end of the season with his contract set to expire next summer.
Jones’ choice may come as a surprise having played alongside Ferdinand at Old Trafford.
Of his 229 appearances for the Red Devils, 55 came in the same team as Ferdinand between 2011 and 2014.
During that time, the pair won both the Community Shield and Premier League.
Meanwhile, Ferdinand made a total of 455 appearances for United, scoring eight goals.
He left the club in 2014 after winning 15 trophies, including the Champions League, Club World Cup and six league titles.
The former Leeds man also won 81 caps for England before retiring in 2015 aged 36.