When Michael Owen, a former Ballon d’Or winner, was on commentary duties for the Champions League two years ago, he named Rio Ferdinand the greatest center-back of all time, to his face, may we add. Warning: Franz Beckenbauer, Paolo Maldini, and Sergio Ramos were also passed over.
After hanging up his boots, Ferdinand, who played 455 games for Manchester United from 2002 to 2014, decided to pursue a career as a commentator. Regarding his playing career, he is regarded by many as one of the greatest center backs of all time.
But not in the eyes of his countryman Owen, who stood next to the former backline patroller-turned-pundit in 2023 and had the audacity to ignore him from the discussion. However, who did Owen choose in lieu of the legendary Red Devil?
Edward Ignores Ferdinand When Designating the All-Time Greatest Center-Back
“I would go farther.” He is, in my opinion, the greatest center-half of all time.
Owen made the damning assertion that Virgil van Dijk outperforms every other central defender who has ever played after Liverpool defeated Villarreal 3-2 on away turf in the Champions League semi-final. By enquiring as to whether Ferdinand was offended by Owen’s comments, Jake Humphrey started the conversation.
Being able to participate in the discussion makes me pleased! “Why are you apologizing for?” I asked. You play football to be considered a top player by your fellow pros, and if they agree, you’ve done okay in your career. Hear me out: Virgil van Dijk is currently the world’s top center-back. Simple.
Owen, who is widely regarded as one of the best players in Liverpool football history, remained steadfast in his bold assertion. He even asserted that Van Dijk, 33, is far superior to players like Franco Baresi and Maldini.
“I would go farther. Before explaining what makes him superior to Ferdinand, he declared, “I believe he’s the best center-half of all time.” “I think he’s scored a couple more goals. Not much; we’re discussing the finest here, and Rio was the best center-half I’ve ever played alongside, as I mentioned.
Born in Breda Since joining the red half of Merseyside in January 2018, Van Dijk has been a revelation. He has been a vital member of both former manager Jurgen Klopp and current Liverpool custodian Arne Slot, and the former Celtic player has already added two Premier League titles and a Champions League to his resume. Owen went on:
As a center-forward, I wonder, ‘What do you do against him?’ when I see Van Dijk. In addition to being the best at the ball, he is bigger, faster, and stronger than everyone else. I have never witnessed anything like him scoring a goal!
Van Dijk only had one Premier League winners’ medal at the time of the former line-leader’s admission, and he maintained that his trophy—or lack thereof—could be the only point against him in the discussion.
“The only thing that opposes Van Dijk right now—and I emphasize right now—is his winners’ medals. He has only won one league and one Champions League, while the greatest players in history, like as Rio, Maldini, Baresis, and others, have won countless titles.
See the entire exchange between Owen and Ferdinand below:
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