Everton and Bolton legend Alan Stubbs believes Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk remains the best centre-back in the Premier League, even as other defenders rise in prominence. The 33-year-old Dutchman has been a standout for Liverpool since his arrival in 2018 and, despite winning just one Premier League title, continues to be hailed for his defensive prowess.
Speaking to *BestBettingSites.com*, Stubbs described Van Dijk as a “Rolls Royce” of a defender, praising his combination of speed, strength, and leadership. “He ticks all the boxes in everything that you want from a modern-day centre back,” said Stubbs. “He’s quick, he’s strong, he reads the game well, he’s very comfortable on the ball, and he’s a leader.”
Stubbs also highlighted Van Dijk’s authority on the pitch, noting that his mere presence can intimidate strikers before a match even begins. “He’s the type of defender that lives rent-free in the mind of a striker before the whistle even blows because of his amazing ability,” Stubbs added.
However, Stubbs also gave high praise to Arsenal’s centre-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, who have formed a rock-solid partnership in defence. The former Celtic player believes the duo has been pivotal in Arsenal’s strong performances this season, tipping them as the best centre-back pairing in the league.
“After Virgil, it would have to be William Saliba and Gabriel at Arsenal,” Stubbs said. “They’ve formed the best centre-back pairing in the league and they love keeping clean sheets. They’re the backbone of Arsenal’s team and are one of the reasons why I’ve tipped them to win the title this season.”
Stubbs’ comments underline the enduring respect Van Dijk commands, while also recognizing the rise of Arsenal’s defensive duo as potential future stars of the Premier League.
I agree. Nesta is a close second.