Rio Ferdinand believes he sees 'elements' of himself in current Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.
The former Manchester United and England stalwart enjoyed a decorated career, winning six Premier League titles and collecting one Champions League crown between 2002-2013.
A traditional 'no nonsense' type defender, Ferdinand began his career with West Ham United before spending 12 years under Sir Alex Ferguson in Manchester.
When quizzed more recently however, the now turned BT Sport pundit insisted both Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk and Manchester United's Raphael Varane were the two players he identified as being most similar to himself.
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“In today’s game I think, tip-top Varane would have been similar,'' began the 43-year-old, as he spoke on the latest episode of Vibe with Five.
''He was graceful, he was quick, but you rarely look at Varane and go ‘did you see how quick he is.’ He’s got it there, but he doesn’t always need to use it.
''Van Dijk there are elements as well I would say, but yeah, it’s difficult to look at a player and say they’re like someone, the game has changed as well,” added Ferdinand.
Reds defender Van Dijk has been credited with revolutionising Jurgen Klopp's defence since his arrival back in 2018, helping the side win both the Premier League and Champions League in recent years.
With Liverpool still competing in three different cup competitions also this season, Van Dijk will no doubt be bidding to add more silverware come the business end of the 21/22 campaign.
