Former Chelsea centre back John Terry has offered his advice to Vigil van Dijk if he wants to become an all-time great.
Terry claimed that the Dutch international has to add longevity to his game if he wants to be considered as a great.
Van Dijk, 31, has been sensational since joining from Southampton in 2017 and has been one of Liverpool’s most important players.
The centre back just celebrated his 31st birthday and is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
What a holiday! Thanks for all of the love today with the birthday messages ❤️ Ready to get back now and enjoy the new season 😎 pic.twitter.com/PF2HT9dZAT
— Virgil van Dijk (@VirgilvDijk) July 8, 2022
John Terry believes longevity is crucial to GOAT status
Speaking on an Instagram Q and A over the weekend, the former Chelsea and England captain let van Dijk know just how he can be considered one of the greats: “I always say to be regarded as the very best, longevity is key.
“He has been outstanding for the last 3/4 years. But to be the very best, you need to be at the very top for 10/15 years.”
Terry himself featured 492 times for the Londoners between 1997 and 2017 and is widely regarded as the best centre-back in the Premier League era.
He boasts the record for most goals from a defender in the league and was a five-time league winner as well.
Van Dijk has featured 181 times for the Reds, notching 16 goals as well as taking home a Premier League, Champions League and FA and Carabao Cup double last season.
ON THIS DAY: In 2019, Virgil van Dijk became the first defender since John Terry in 2004/05 to be named PFA Players' Player of the Year.
Putting centre-backs back on the map after nearly 15 years. pic.twitter.com/fIpRYfbqO6
— Squawka (@Squawka) April 28, 2020
Van Dijk so far in his career
The Dutch international has won major honours in Scotland, England and in Europe and has featured in the Premier League TOTY and FIFA World ProXI multiple times.
In 2019, after Liverpool won their first league title in 30 years, he was named the PFA Player of the Year being the first centre-back to win it since Terry in 2005.
He also came runner-up in the Ballon D’or to Lionel Messi that year, missing out by 0.3% on the votes.
Currently, he’s won nine honours a player, been to three Champions League finals and is continually adding to his ever growing legacy as a Premier League legend.
