Jamie Carragher has made a stunning declaration about Virgil van Dijk, claiming the Liverpool captain is not just the best defender in the Premier League but “too good for the highest level of football.”
The Sky Sports pundit’s comments came after Van Dijk delivered a masterclass in Liverpool’s 4-0 Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Tottenham, further solidifying his status as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Speaking in the Sky Sports studio after the match, Carragher left no room for argument about Van Dijk’s dominance. “When you think of the Premier League, I think we all agree it is the best league in the world, and then you got the Champions League football. That’s the highest level, that is higher than international football, World Cups and Euros,” Carragher said.
He added, “He’s too good for the highest level of football. It’s almost like it’s still too easy for him! It almost feels like there should be another level above that for Van Dijk because he plays the game with such ease.”
Carragher highlighted Van Dijk’s performance against Erling Haaland earlier this season as proof of his superiority. “I watched him here against Haaland – the best goalscorer around, a big, powerful lad who’s got pace – and it doesn’t even feel like [Van Dijk] is trying,” Carragher said.
Carragher didn’t stop there. He went on to declare Van Dijk the greatest defender in Premier League history, saying, “He is the best [in the Premier League] but it is not even a debate. This nonsense about all the other defenders and I played with a lot of them; he is so far above it, it’s a joke. I have never seen a player that at ease, probably in any position, not just at centre-back.”
Van Dijk’s influence extends beyond his defensive prowess. Dion Dublin, also on Sky Sports, praised the Dutchman’s leadership during the match. “He’s constantly organizing his teammates. You can see why he’s the captain. He’s a true leader on and off the pitch.”
Van Dijk’s performance against Tottenham was a reminder of his importance to Liverpool. As the Reds booked their place in the Carabao Cup final, his presence at the heart of the defense was instrumental. With Liverpool competing on multiple fronts this season, Van Dijk’s form will be crucial to their chances of success.
For Carragher, there’s no doubt about Van Dijk’s legacy. “He’s the best I’ve ever seen. Liverpool are lucky to have him, and I don’t think we’ll see another defender like him for a long time.”
