Manchester United Legend is the Clear Pick Over Virgil van Dijk for 5-Time Premier League Winner

Why Rio Ferdinand is Preferred Over Virgil Van Dijk

Brown expresses clear admiration for Ferdinand, highlighting his impact at Old Trafford.

“I would always choose Rio over Virgil Van Dijk. I might be biased, but if you’ve seen Rio, you know he’s exceptional,” Brown stated.

“He had the ability to do everything on the pitch and was composed, rarely needing to resort to slide tackles,” he added, according to 10bet (h/t Goal).

Ferdinand had excellent game awareness, speed, and positioned himself well, making his defensive duties more manageable. His trophy collection demonstrates his importance to the great Manchester United team,” Brown noted.

Ferdinand’s skill extended beyond game reading; he introduced a sense of calm to the defense, facilitating smooth build-up play during a time when ball-playing center-backs were uncommon.

In Brown’s view, the blend of skill, athleticism, and intelligence sets Ferdinand apart from his contemporaries and beyond.

Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic: The Ideal Defensive Pair for Manchester United

After praising Ferdinand, Brown reflected on his partnership with Nemanja Vidic.

“Ferdinand and Vidic complemented each other perfectly. Such partnerships are rare,” he remarked.

“They pushed each other to excel, helping Rio improve even further,” Brown noted.

He concluded, “When discussing individuals, I always put Ferdinand above Van Dijk, though it’s close. I believe Rio was the best defender for United, and possibly in the Premier League.”

The partnership of Ferdinand and Vidic is regarded as a model for defensive balance: one was graceful and the other assertive, both outstanding.

Together, they secured five Premier League titles and the Champions League, forming one of the sturdiest defenses of the 2000s.

Brown acknowledges that Van Dijk has thrived in a different era, where there is a greater focus on playing from the back and covering large areas of the pitch.