Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tom Huddlestone has opted not to name Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk as one of his three greatest defenders in Premier League history.
Van Dijk has been one of the Reds' most vital players over the past decade, making 243 appearances across competitions. The Dutch defender has won seven major trophies during his six-year stay at Anfield including the Premier League.
The 32-year-old has perhaps been one of the league's best performers this season. He's helped table-topping Liverpool keep six clean sheets and chipped in with three goal contributions in 18 league outings.
Huddlestone named iconic Manchester United duo Rio Ferdinand and Jaap Stam and Chelsea hero John Terry when deciding on his top three defenders in the English top-flight's history. (via talkSPORT):
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"He (Ferdinand) would be (the greatest defender), in my opinion. I think there are three or four up there. John Terry, Jaap Stam, albeit he was only there three years but won the title every year, probably them three."
Ferdinand won six titles with the Red Devils and is regarded as one of the best ball-playing defenders in English football history. Likewise with Stam who was equally as impressive during his spell at Old Trafford, renowned for his aggressive style of play.
Meanwhile, Terry captained Chelsea to five league titles, making 717 appearances across competitions. He and Ferdinand forged a formidable partnership for the England national team during their playing careers.
Huddlestone namedropped Van Dijk as a contender but couldn't look past the aforementioned trio:
"Who else? Vincent Kompany? Campbell? Virgil van Dijk... but Ferdinand, Terry and Stam would be my main three."
Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018 for a reported £75 million. The 64-cap Netherlands international's best season perhaps came in the Merseysiders' 2019-20 title-winning campaign when he helped Jurgen Klopp's men keep 15 clean sheets in 38 league games.
Liverpool captain Van Dijk touches on his upturn in form this season
Van Dijk has earned praise this season after getting back to his best at Liverpool. The veteran defender had received criticism from the likes of Dutch icons Marco van Basten and Ruud Gullit regarding his leadership heading into the campaign.
The Reds center-back reacted superbly to being put under fire by producing consistent performances this season. He touched on this last month (via This is Anfield):
"Last year saw ups and downs, good games and less good games. I’m held to a very high standard and I still am. That’s what I’ve created and I enjoy that. If that’s not the case then something’s not right."
He added:
"But I feel like I am in good moment physically and mentally and I feel like I am important. I just feel very good and I want to keep going."
The 2019 UEFA Player of the Year will be hoping to captain Liverpool to their second league title this season. They sit top at present after 20 games with a two-point lead over reigning champions Manchester City.
