RIO: RAMOS IS BETTER THAN VVD

v

RIO FERDINAND has risked the wrath of Liverpool fans by claiming Virgil van Dijk is NOT the best defender in the world – because that’s Sergio Ramos.

Former Manchester United and England star Ferdinand has scoffed at the idea that the Dutchman (above) has even been the best player in the Premier League this season.

Asked if Van Dijk was now the No.1 defender in the world, Ferdinand, who won six Premier League titles and the Champions League during his time at Old Trafford, said: “I’d still put Sergio Ramos there.

“Ramos, when the big games come up, the trophies are there to be won, he’s normally standing there with his sleeves rolled up.

“He is not being shifted at the moment.

“To be considered the best in the world, you have got to win stuff.

“You cannot just play well for your team and sit there as runner-up or coming third or fourth.

“That’s why, when people talk about Player of the Year and you see they haven’t won anything, I am thinking, ‘How? You haven’t influenced a team to win things’.

“Virgil is a fantastic player, potentially the best in the world but, right now, no. And I’d think he would agree.”

What about player of the season? Ferdinand added: “There’s Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Bernardo Silva...

“Virgil? No. If Liverpool win the league it’s legit – but odd if they have come second or third.”

BT Sport has exclusively live coverage of the UEFA Champions League. Watch live on TV or via the BT Sport App