The Manchester United Thread

Mike. said:
VVD isn't a world class defender, he is very good one though. He's not even the best or the most dominant defender in the league.
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That would be your opinion.

Not one shared by many others. But it's all subjective on most any player not called Messi, Ronaldo or Suarez.
 
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Alc said:
If Klopp is willing to spend so much on him, he is instantly 'world-class' and worth every penny. If Mourinho or any other manager does the same, he is ****. Get with the program Mike! :P
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Cute. But unless I'm mistaken I don't believe anybody had seriously gone in for him the International break last October when I said pretty much the same on him in Joe's thread as 'a player you love': #8
 
Scouseinthehouse said:
That would be your opinion.

Not one shared by many others. But it's all subjective on most any player not called Messi, Ronaldo or Suarez.
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Show me these many others who put him in the same category Bonucci or Godin, or Silva.
 
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Theatre of dreams said:
I deleted my post mate. He's had his presser but I'm waiting for a proper outlet to start reporting what he said. But that was posted on Reddit and Redcafe. Doesn't sound it tbh.
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Can we please stop posting stuff like this. Even Perez saying it wouldn't be news either.
 
Mike. said:
Can we please stop posting stuff like this. Even Perez saying it wouldn't be news either.
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i thought users were allowed to post anything united related in this thread?even if pure speculation TOD is surely entitled to post as he pleases within reason?
 
Alc said:
If Klopp is willing to spend so much on him, he is instantly 'world-class' and worth every penny. If Mourinho or any other manager does the same, he is ****. Get with the program Mike! :P
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Not saying he's not very good. But the double speak on transfers is both grating and tedious. He's not even as good as the Spurs duo, or Luiz (and I hate saying that). He's not as good as Kompany, but at least he can stay fitter, current injury aside. Outside of the other names I replied with and the above, there Ramos, Pique, Boateng, Barzagli to add. He's not in their level either
 
djs1 said:
i thought users were allowed to post anything united related in this thread?even if pure speculation TOD is surely entitled to post as he pleases within reason?
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Its not even close to transfer rumour. It's a second hand source of a second hand source that doesn't even yet involve United. Unless Manchester United actually launch a bid or have actual talks, it's basically garbage
 
Mike. said:
Show me these many others who put him in the same category Bonucci or Godin, or Silva.
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I said he was arguably the most dominant defender in the league. You said he wasn't. Many observers/ pundits/ ex-players, bracket them how you will, would disagree. Your lad Neville for one gushed over him two years back and the first half of the season just gone.

But that's why I deliberately prefaced it with 'arguably' and replied to you like I did. As it's all subjective. On most every player outside those three. The only more or less definitive agreement nobody ever argues with are the three guys mentioned.

IMO the guys a top bracket footballer who could probably be as dominant further up the field who's not yet even in his prime at 25. And when he joins one of the big boys I've little doubt he'll be being talked about among the best Worldwide.

Again, whoever gets him this summer will be one very lucky club that just elevated their whole team.

To equate to Utd, Jaap Stam. Ferdinand. Vidic. Ferguson had no fear of going all out attack with those back there as he knew they could be relied on to win one-on-one battles. van Dijk is exactly the same dominant force as he's consistently shown not only in weaker leagues, but all through his time at Southampton.
 
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The same pundits have gushed over Bailly. And we're not elevating him into the same bracket... Because good as he is, he isn't there yet. It's the same with VVD
 
Vvd hasn't shown yet he's as good as any of the 3 United defenders you've just mentioned..
 
I personally feel the likes of Bonucci, Chiellini, Ramos, Boateng, Pique, T. Silva etc. are all world class.. and a tier below them, the 'borderline' group would be the likes of Koscielny, Alderweireld, Varane, Gimenez, Luiz, Bailly, Van Dijk, etc.

Tbf, most of them have time on their side to break into the top bracket.
 
Mike. said:
Show me these many others who put him in the same category Bonucci or Godin, or Silva.
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Purely because you asked so I did a quick search:

John Collins, the assistant manager his time at Celtic:

Virgil Van Dijk is as good as Europe's best defenders (From HeraldScotland)

"I believe there is currently no bettercentre-half in Europe than Virgil Van Dijk. I watch Champions League football, I watch Premier League football every week and Virgil is as good as anybody who is playing football in Europe."

Current Hibs manager Neal Lennon, the man who brought him to Britain:

Virgil van Dijk: Southampton star tipped for Real Madrid or Barcelona moves | Football | Sport | Express.co.uk

When asked if Van Dijk can become the best defender in the world, Lennon told Sky Sports: "Yes."I think he could play for Barcelona, I think he could play for Real Madrid - it wouldn't surprise me if he took his career on to those pathways

."I couldn't believe we got him for €2.2m (£1.9m). He was outstanding. I couldn't believe that none of the big clubs took a bite at him before Southampton.

"I believe he could play at any club side in Europe now - he's that good. He's only 25, he's got 10 years in him.

Along with a multitude of quotes like this from different people within the game saying he's got everything to become World class, many suggesting he could play for any big club and then he would be:


Southampton FC
✔@SouthamptonFC

Puel: "I think @VirgilvDijk has all of the qualities to become one of the best defenders in the world." #saintsfc
12:12 PM - 4 Nov 2016


Does the above mean much of anything? No more or less than your opinion or mine. Again, opinions of players are subjective.

But that's three guys who've coached him first hand and I think it's fair to say they know far more than you or I or any other layman here.

So as you posed the question there are some answers for you.
 
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Scouseinthehouse said:
Purely because you asked so I did a quick search:

John Collins, the assistant manager his time at Celtic:

Virgil Van Dijk is as good as Europe's best defenders (From HeraldScotland)

"I believe there is currently no bettercentre-half in Europe than Virgil Van Dijk. I watch Champions League football, I watch Premier League football every week and Virgil is as good as anybody who is playing football in Europe."

Current Hibs manager Neal Lennon, the man who brought him to Britain:

Virgil van Dijk: Southampton star tipped for Real Madrid or Barcelona moves | Football | Sport | Express.co.uk

When asked if Van Dijk can become the best defender in the world, Lennon told Sky Sports: "Yes."I think he could play for Barcelona, I think he could play for Real Madrid - it wouldn't surprise me if he took his career on to those pathways

."I couldn't believe we got him for €2.2m (£1.9m). He was outstanding. I couldn't believe that none of the big clubs took a bite at him before Southampton.

"I believe he could play at any club side in Europe now - he's that good. He's only 25, he's got 10 years in him.

Along with a multitude of quotes like this from different people within the game saying he's got everything to become World class, many suggesting he could play for any big club and then he would be:


Southampton FC
✔@SouthamptonFC

Puel: "I think @VirgilvDijk has all of the qualities to become one of the best defenders in the world." #saintsfc
12:12 PM - 4 Nov 2016


Does the above mean much of anything? No more or less than your opinion or mine. Again, opinions of players are subjective.

But that's three guys who've coached him first hand and I think it's fair to say they know far more than you or I or any other layman here.

So as you posed the question there's some answers for you.
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That's like saying Phil Jones can be the next Duncan Edwards or Nani can be as good as Ronnie ala Fergie :P
 
Christ, what a pointless time googling articles from 2015.

They all still said he could be/has all tools/is on his way... Mike stated he could but right now he isn't the best CB in the league or in Europe. (He's never been top of either list at any point ever barely in the Top 10 for Europe).

If you looking for CB that could break into the list VVD is on it, but right now hes outside.
 
As pointless as saying it's pointless as he asked.

And as pointless as saying he isn't. Your opinion. Mine differs. When all I said is it's arguable he's the most dominant in the league.

Next pointless thing to add? ;).
 
i know its a bit warm right now think this has got to a few folks every 1 needs to take a time out
 
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