Bamba’s a better defender than £75m van Dijk – Warnock

CARDIFF City boss Neil Warnock has declared Sol Bamba is a better defender than Liverpool’s new world record capture Virgil van Dijk.

The Reds paid £75million to land the Dutch star from Southampton the highest figure for a defender in history.

Warnock says he once tried to sign van Dijk for £6m when he was Crystal Palace boss, but remains adamant Bamba is the better out and out defender of the two.

It follows Warnock also recently stating he wouldn’t swap Bamba for any of Arsenal’s or Liverpool’s current centre-backs.

“I think van Dijk has got better attributes on ball than Bamba, but I don’t think he’s a better defender,” said the Bluebirds manager.

“I think Bamba is slightly better than van Dijk defensive wise. Van Dijk has more confidence on the ball and is easier on eye, but I don’t think he’s better defensively.”

Warnock revealed a fascinating story of how he could have landed van Dijk for £6m - but was told by his Selhurst Park chief scout he wasn’t worth that money!

“When I was at Palace it was very difficult to buy players really,” started Warnock. “For my centre half I was looking at van Dijk and I suggested we buy him for £6m at the time.

“The chief scout said he wasn’t quick enough, was playing in the Scottish League and he didn’t see him stepping up to the level we were looking for.

“I hope he’s watching this morning, the chief scout. £75m, you know. It made me smile this morning when I saw that.

“You have to be lucky with transfers as a manager. If you want a player go and get him, rather than go through the rigmarole.”

But van Dijk’s former manager Claude Puel has backed him to become one of the world’s top backfour players.

Puel, now boss of Leicester, said: “He is one of the best defenders in the world and he has all the qualities to become the best. It is fantastic for Liverpool.

“He can play in different good teams and it is a good reward for him. At the beginning of the season it is difficult for him because he wants to join another club but now he will find his level.

“Of course I don’t know if it is the right price but he is a fantastic player, fantastic defender. I had him for six months and then for the last six months he was injured.

“In those first six months he made progress and he has all the qualities. He is a strong character and personality.”

Former Cardiff defender Steven Caulker has left QPR by mutual consent.

The 25-year-old arrived at Loftus Road from the Bluebirds in 2014, but spent time on loan at Southampton and Liverpool in recent seasons.

The one-time England cap has not featured in QPR’s first team since September.

A statement on QPR’s official Twitter account said: “We wish him well for the future.”