‘Opinions are great but stats don’t lie…’
Chelsea legend John Terry appeared to hit back at Rio Ferdinand after the former Manchester United man named Virgil van Dijk and Jaap Stam ahead of him when ranking the best defenders in Premier League history.
Speaking to Liverpool centre-back Van Dijk on his YouTube show ‘Between the Lines’, Ferdinand and the Dutchman discussed how the 30-year-old compares to the best defenders in the history of the top-flight league.
Ferdinand picks himself as Premier League’s best centre-back.
When choosing his top five centre-backs, BT Sport pundit Ferdinand selected himself in first place with Nemanja Vidic in second and Van Dijk in third – ahead of Jaap Stam and Terry in fifth.
“I believe I was number one. Serious,” said Ferdinand.
“I’m going number one straight away.”
After putting Van Dijk in third, the former Southampton man disagreed by saying: “I’ve only won one Premier League!”
However, Ferdinand responded: “Yeah I know but I think the impact you have on the team is massive and your attributes will put you right in the top tier.”
Speaking about Terry, Ferdinand added: “In terms of his longevity at that club, what they won, body on the line, a much better footballer than people give him credit for, could play off his left and right foot.”
Terry fires back at Ferdinand
Despite receiving praise for his ability, passion and longevity, former England captain Terry wasn’t impressed with his placement in Ferdinand’s rankings.
Responding on Instagram, Terry appeared to suggest that he should be far higher on the list.
The 41-year-old posted a number of graphics to his Instagram story – including the number of times he made the World XI and his win percentage being higher than any other defender – as he defended his position.
Terry accompanied his response with the caption: “Opinions are great but stats don’t lie…”
John Terry on Instagram 👏 pic.twitter.com/bALrM1oiuG
— CFCDaily (@CFCDaily) May 25, 2022
Ferdinand and Terry played together on 35 occasions for England, with the pair often starting at the heart of defence for the Three Lions.
Related links:
- John Terry pledges to help fund Roman Abramovich banner
- Rio Ferdinand apologises to Jose Mourinho after 2019 quote proved right
- Rio Ferdinand claims outrageous Luka Modrić assist made him lose his voice
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