Van Dijk vs Hansen: Souness Decides Liverpool’s Greatest Defender | OneFootball

Liverpool’s defensive icons compared

Virgil van Dijk has committed to Liverpool for another two years, solidifying his status as one of the club’s most influential modern figures. The 33-year-old, now wearing the captain’s armband, remains integral to the fabric of Jurgen Klopp’s final chapter and what comes next under Arne Slot.

The Dutch international, who arrived from Southampton in 2018 for a then-world record fee for a defender, has not only justified his price tag but far exceeded it. His composure, leadership, and sheer presence have helped transform Liverpool into serial contenders at home and in Europe.

With his latest contract extension, Van Dijk’s future at Anfield is secured, and his place among the club’s defensive greats becomes ever more worthy of debate. Yet when comparisons are drawn, particularly with the iconic Alan Hansen, the conversation remains nuanced.

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Souness backs Hansen over Van Dijk in Reds legacy discussion

Graeme Souness, a Liverpool legend in his own right, has weighed in on this increasingly popular discussion — is Virgil van Dijk the greatest defender in Liverpool history?

Speaking to Sky Sports, Souness praised Van Dijk’s current dominance, stating: “By a country mile [Van Dijk is the current best defender in the world], but he’s not as good as Alan Hansen.”

Souness elaborated on what set Hansen apart: “I was watching Arne saying how impressed he was with Virgil carrying the ball out of defence, Virgil’s very good at that, but Alan Hansen was like a midfielder in disguise, you couldn’t get the ball off him. If you wanted the perfect pairing, Alan Hansen and Virgil van Dijk.”

Such comparisons underline how Van Dijk has risen to sit alongside legends — but, for some, not quite above them.

Van Dijk’s influence shows no sign of waning

Despite being in the twilight of his career, Van Dijk continues to perform at elite levels. His reading of the game remains world-class, and his leadership both on and off the pitch has been critical during a period of transition at Anfield.

This season, he has marshalled a Liverpool side still competing for the Premier League title, and potentially more silverware — with the Dutchman likely to lift the trophy once more before summer.

Chris Sutton has recently called Van Dijk the Premier League’s best-ever defender. It’s a bold claim, but not without substance. His performances have been consistent, his injury recovery resolute, and his influence immeasurable.

Hansen’s finesse versus Van Dijk’s dominance

Alan Hansen’s era was one of quiet elegance. He glided across the pitch, often mistaken for a midfielder in disguise. His composure under pressure and technical quality made him a standout figure during Liverpool’s golden years.

Van Dijk, by contrast, has redefined what a modern centre-back looks like — physically imposing, technically gifted, and tactically astute. While Hansen was poetry in motion, Van Dijk is symphonic in structure. It’s a stylistic divide that makes direct comparisons difficult, yet fascinating.

Should Van Dijk continue at his current level for the next few seasons, especially under Arne Slot, he will be difficult to deny as Liverpool’s greatest defender. Legacy, after all, is often written in medals, and Van Dijk’s trophy cabinet could soon surpass that of even Hansen.