Across social media in recent weeks, ex-professionals and fans alike have been debating who is the greatest Premier League defender. Jermaine Pennant caused a stir by picking Virgil van Dijk ahead of John Terry, prompting a response from the former Chelsea captain. Terry has now appeared on the Double Tops podcast, revealing where he sees Van Dijk among this current generation and who he believes is the greatest Premier League defender of all time.
John Terry Belongs Among the Premier League Greats
Chelsea Legend Discusses Best Premier League Defenders
John Terry’s place among the greatest Premier League defenders cannot be denied. He made 717 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, scoring 67 goals. Terry achieved everything in club football, winning five Premier League winner’s medals, five FA Cups, three Carabao Cups, one Europa League, and a Champions League trophy.
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Terry was an elite centre-back. He could read the game better than most and was a born leader. His exceptional positioning enabled him to snuff out many attacks. JT maintained an exceptionally high level of performance over many years. One ability he had, often overlooked, was his ability to ping a pass 60-70 yards with either foot.
Terry Names the Greatest Defender in Premier League History
Appearing on the Double Tops podcast, JT was asked who the greatest defender in Premier League history is, and his response was honest: “The debate started about me, Rio, Vidic, and then all of a sudden it just got kind of isolated to me. I think myself, Rio, Vidic, we’re different generations to Virgil.
“I think Virgil van Dijk is the greatest in this era, this generation. He’s the best by a million miles in the Premier League and has been for the last four or five years. If it’s for me to say, I would say Rio (Ferdinand) for me. I don’t think it’s for me to sit on here and go, I’m the best. What I will do is come out when someone says the highest scoring defender and clean sheets. No, no, that’s me. So I’m allowed to defend myself in terms of that.
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“But if I had to pick someone. Rio, over time, longevity, what he won, playing at one of the biggest clubs in the world, in Man United, that’s the greatest for me.”
Do you agree with John Terry?
