Saw an interesting debate on Redcafe where they were debating the best prem defender (because football only started then lol). https://www.redcafe.net/threads/vidic-terry-rio-stam-van-dijk.465521/
Many were going for Rio (obviously) but I obviously think VVD is the best-ever defender. For me if you base it off of what has been won then Rio would win but if you had to compare attributes then VVD win it. Peak VVD vs peak Rio is a no contest.
Heading ability: VVD (Usually in the top 5 headers for headers won in Europe)
Pace: VVD (Watch youtube video of VVD keeping up with Traore)
Tackling: VVD (If he has to tackle he has failed, but even then his tackles are usually clean)
Positioning: VVD (Always in the right place)
Strength: VVD (Rarely seen VVD outmuscled)
Passing: VVD (One of the best defenders Ive seen pass the ball)
Leadership: VVD (If it wasn't for Henderson, he would be Captain. Captains Holland)
I honestly can't put Rio on the same level as VVD. Sure Rio was an amazing defender in his prime but I also felt that United could cope without him. VVD on the other hand, you notice him when he's not around, he's that good. Also, that season when people debated whether who should get honours Messi, Ronaldo or VVD, tells you how good prime VVD can be.
Many were going for Rio (obviously) but I obviously think VVD is the best-ever defender. For me if you base it off of what has been won then Rio would win but if you had to compare attributes then VVD win it. Peak VVD vs peak Rio is a no contest.
Heading ability: VVD (Usually in the top 5 headers for headers won in Europe)
Pace: VVD (Watch youtube video of VVD keeping up with Traore)
Tackling: VVD (If he has to tackle he has failed, but even then his tackles are usually clean)
Positioning: VVD (Always in the right place)
Strength: VVD (Rarely seen VVD outmuscled)
Passing: VVD (One of the best defenders Ive seen pass the ball)
Leadership: VVD (If it wasn't for Henderson, he would be Captain. Captains Holland)
I honestly can't put Rio on the same level as VVD. Sure Rio was an amazing defender in his prime but I also felt that United could cope without him. VVD on the other hand, you notice him when he's not around, he's that good. Also, that season when people debated whether who should get honours Messi, Ronaldo or VVD, tells you how good prime VVD can be.