Virgil van Dijk, widely regarded as one of the best defenders in recent Premier League history, continues to top the list of the league’s best centre-backs, according to former Everton and Bolton star Alan Stubbs. Despite being 33 years old, Van Dijk remains a key figure at the back for Liverpool, where he has been a standout player since joining the club in 2018. Before that, Van Dijk made his Premier League debut with Southampton in 2015, having moved from Celtic, where he had already made a name for himself.
Van Dijk has only won a single Premier League title during his time at Liverpool, but his individual performances have consistently been of the highest level. His leadership, defensive prowess, and ability to read the game have earned him widespread respect from teammates, opponents, and pundits alike. Stubbs, who enjoyed a successful playing career and is now a respected voice in football analysis, believes that Van Dijk’s all-around qualities still make him the best in his position, even in a highly competitive league filled with top-class defenders.
Speaking to BestBettingSites.com, Stubbs praised Van Dijk’s attributes, comparing the Dutchman to a “Rolls Royce” of centre-backs. “He ticks all the boxes in everything you want from a modern-day centre-back,” Stubbs said. “He’s quick, he’s strong, he reads the game well, and he’s very comfortable on the ball. He’s also a leader, which is a quality I don’t see a huge amount of in today’s game. Virgil is certainly one of the most authoritative players in the Premier League in terms of leadership skills.”
Stubbs emphasized that Van Dijk not only excels in the technical aspects of defending but also has an intangible presence on the field. “He plays with a confidence and gravitas that world-class players have,” Stubbs explained. “He’s earned that respect over the years from his fellow professionals. Van Dijk is the type of defender who lives rent-free in the mind of a striker even before the whistle blows because of his incredible ability.”
Although Van Dijk has faced some stiff competition for the title of best centre-back in the league, Stubbs still believes he stands above the rest. However, Stubbs acknowledged that Arsenal’s defensive duo, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, deserve recognition for their impressive performances. The partnership between Saliba and Gabriel has been one of the driving forces behind Arsenal’s resurgence as genuine Premier League title contenders under Mikel Arteta. Their defensive solidity and consistency have earned them praise from across the football world, and Stubbs thinks they are among the best.
“After Virgil, I would have to say William Saliba and Gabriel at Arsenal are the next best,” Stubbs said. “They’ve formed the best centre-back pairing in the league, and their ability to keep clean sheets has been vital for Arsenal. They are the backbone of Arsenal’s team, and that’s one of the reasons why I’ve tipped them to win the title this season.”
In conclusion, while Van Dijk continues to be the benchmark for Premier League defenders, the emergence of players like Saliba and Gabriel shows the growing strength of defensive talent in the league. Van Dijk’s leadership, experience, and elite qualities make him a standout figure, but the competition from rising stars ensures the battle for the best defender in the league remains fierce.