Michael Ballack believes that Virgil van Dijk would have had greater difficulties against several strikers of his generation – and he is reaping the rewards.
Michael Ballack has made few friends in the British Isles with his views on Virgil van Dijk.
The long-time captain of the German national team had commented on the thesis that Liverpool’s head of defence was the best Premier League defender of all time.
“Van Dijk is fortunate to play in a time without Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Carlos Tévez, Emmanuel Adebayor and Diego Costa,” Ballack is quoted by several English media. “No wonder so many say he is the best ever.”
Reds legend Nicol steps into the breach for van Dijk
Steve Nicol, who played for Liverpool FC from 1981 to 1995, could not understand Ballack’s statement on ESPN.
“It would have been an interesting duel, but nobody can tell me that Droba physically put van Dijk in his pocket,” the Scot said.
Nor could he recall anyone who had ever walked past van Dijk in the Premier League or Champions League. “So speed is not the problem either,” judged Nicol. The 2019 Premier League player of the year also has a strong passing game.
“I’d be very interested to know what part of van Dijk’s game Ballack feels would have been vulnerable for one of these strikers?”