Football pundit Rio Ferdinand has reignited the debate over the greatest January transfer window signing in Premier League history, advocating for his former Manchester United teammate Nemanja Vidic over Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk.
Despite Van Dijk's remarkable impact at Liverpool, Ferdinand's preference leans towards the defensive stalwart he played alongside at Old Trafford.
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In his first full season, Van Dijk's contributions were pivotal in Liverpool's Champions League triumph. The Dutch defender's accolades include the PFA Players' Player and UEFA's Men's Player of the Year awards, making him the first from an English club to win the latter in its current form.
Vidic's Legacy and Ferdinand's Verdict
However, Rio Ferdinand, speaking on TNT Sports, maintains that Nemanja Vidic, whom Manchester United signed for a mere £7 million from Spartak Moscow in 2005, is the superior January deal.
"Van Dijk is the best one. Nah, Nemanja Vidic is the best one," Ferdinand stated as reported by Daily Mail, emphasizing the value United got for their investment.
During his near-decade at Manchester United, Vidic notched up 300 appearances, captained the team, won five Premier League titles, a Champions League, and was twice named Premier League Player of the Season.
Ferdinand also acknowledged former Arsenal star Martin Keown, who humorously claimed he'd pick himself as the greatest January signing. "I'll pick myself. Rio would have done!" Keown quipped.