Van Dijk vs Rio Ferdinand: Sadio Mane settles Premier League GOAT debate

Senegalese star Sadio Mane has settled the long-standing debate over who is the Premier League’s greatest-ever defender, pitting his former Liverpool teammate Virgil van Dijk against Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand.

In a recent interview with Rio Ferdinand himself, Mane weighed in on the discussion as they talked about the ultimate five-a-side lineup amongst other things around his Premier League. 

Dutchman Van Dijk, whom United legend Rio described as “the best defender now,” prompted Mane to comment.

“He is after you,” Mane gestured playfully in the video shared on social media by Rio. “It’s you, and Van Dijk. You know it, I know it, so this is no discussion.”

Mane’s remark suggests a mutual respect between the two defenders and indicates that he sees both Ferdinand and Van Dijk as elite defenders, acknowledging the challenge of choosing a definitive best but excluding others from comparison.

The conversation has reignited passionate discussions among fans, with Mane’s endorsement of Ferdinand subtly edging him as the all-time Premier League greatest defender in the eyes of the former Liverpool forward. 

The playful nature of their exchange also shows the bond and respect among football’s defensive greats.

This settles one of the Premier League’s hottest debates in style, giving fans fresh perspectives on two defensive legends who defined different eras of English football.

Meanwhile, in related development, Mane named the giant Dutch defender in his ultimate five-a-side team, alongside his Senegalese teammate Kalidou Koulibaly.

However, Mohamed Salah, who shared the pitch at Anfield with the Senegalese for five years, was the most notable and shocking omission from the team.