Ferdinand, Terry, or Van Dijk: Nigeria & Fulham star Bassey picks the Premier League’s greatest defender

Fulham defender Calvin Bassey has declared Virgil van Dijk as the greatest centre-back in Premier League history, placing the Liverpool captain ahead of iconic names like John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, Footynaija.com reports.

The Super Eagles star made his pick during a social media interview segment titled “This or That”, which asked players to choose between two legends in their position.

Bassey was presented with a series of match-ups involving Premier League greats such as Jaap Stam, Ledley King, Kolo Toure, William Saliba and Ricardo Carvalho — but it was the showdown between Van Dijk and the rest that drew a definitive response from the 25-year-old.

Virgil! Virgil! Virgil! Bassey knows!
pic.twitter.com/xLxdLZ3UaF

— The Anfield Talk (@TheAnfieldTalk) April 23, 2025

Without hesitation, Bassey picked Van Dijk over fellow heavyweights including Sol Campbell, Tony Adams, Jamie Carragher, and even Manchester United legends Ferdinand and Vidic.

The Nigerian international, who has impressed with his performances at Craven Cottage this season, offered a simple but powerful endorsement: “No one beats Virgil for me; he’s the best.”

Bassey’s admiration for the Dutchman is rooted in more than just fanfare.

The Fulham defender has enjoyed a strong campaign of his own, making 31 Premier League appearances and clocking over 2,700 minutes of football.

His defensive contributions have included five clean sheets, 51 tackles, 18 interceptions and a commendable disciplinary record with zero red cards.

Still only 25, Bassey continues to grow in stature within the English top flight — but when it comes to the greatest of all time, the former Ajax man knows exactly who tops his list.