John Terry gives 3 reasons why he was better than Virgil van Dijk as online debate rages

The former Chelsea captain set out his argument as to why he should be considered the Premier League's greatest-ever center-back ahead of Liverpool's current no.4

Former Chelsea captain John Terry has outlined why he feels he was a better defender than Virgil van Dijk(Image: Getty Images)

John Terry has outlined his credentials in the debate regarding whether he or Virgil van Dijk was the Premier League’s best-ever defender.

The online conversation was sparked after ex-Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant claimed on talkSPORT that he would rather have Van Dijk in his team than the former Chelsea captain.

That opinion, while likely shared by many Premier League observers, was met with disdain by Pennant’s fellow presenter Jamie O’Hara, who repeatedly asked, “are you joking?” without offering any valid opinions of his own. The clip went viral on social media on Monday, and now Terry has even been drawn into the discussion.

The 45-year-old posted a video on his Tik Tok account, outlining his successes and why he should be considered the league’s all-time greatest defender. He also took offense at Pennant’s incorrect claim that Van Dijk had scored more Premier League goals.

“Jamie O’Hara, who had my back, by the way, and Jermaine Pennant, on talkSPORT this afternoon, debating who was better: myself, Rio [Ferdiand], [Nemanja] Vidic, or Virgil van Dijk,” said Terry, conventionally situated in front of a collection of his personal prizes and winners’ medals.

“This is a debate that everyone is entitled to their opinion on, but Pens, when you’re on the radio, and you’re giving your opinion, you have to get the stats right.

Van Dijk's performances have been questioned this season

“There’s only one person who has got the most goals as a defender in Premier League history, and that’s me.

“I also have the most clean sheets in Premier League history. And, also, if you’re comparing myself and Virgil, then I have more trophies than him as well.

“At the age of 34, [in the] 2014/15 [season], I played every single minute of every game for Chelsea, winning the league when [Jose] Mourinho was our manager,” he added, in reference to Van Dijk’s current performances at the same age.

“I love the debate. I love being amongst it. I’m really proud of what I done in the Premier League.”

Terry was an integral part of Mourinho's successful Chelsea sides(Image: Getty Images)

Terry spent almost his entire career at Chelsea, aside from a brief loan spell at Nottingham Forest and spending his final season at Aston Villa in 2017/18.

He captained the Blues to five Premier League titles and was an integral member of the Chelsea team that conceded just 15 goals in the 2004/05 season, the lowest ever in the division’s history.

Terry was also named in the FIFA FIFPro World XI for five consecutive years between 2005 and 2009.

Likewise, Van Dijk has earned a spot in the team five times, including last season. He also finished second in the Ballon d’Or in 2019, the same season he won two of the three Premier League player-of-the-year awards.