'People will say' - Liverpool told why former Tottenham star is 'better' than Virgil van Dijk

A former coach has explained why he believes ex-Tottenham Hotspur star Davinson Sanchez is "better" than Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk. Servet Cetin, a former centre-back for Turkey, has claimed that Van Dijk is not as good a defender as Sanchez.

Van Dijk is into his seventh full season with Liverpool and second since being named Reds captain following Jordan Henderson's departure. The 33-year-old's contract at Anfield has been the subject of speculation with the current contract set to expire at the end of the season.

Sanchez, meanwhile, is enjoying his second season at Galatasaray after signing for the Super Lig club from Tottenham in 2023. During his time with Spurs, Sanchez made 207 appearances but was an unused substitute against Liverpool in the 2019 Champions League final in Madrid.

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Servet, a former centre-back who made 59 appearances for Turkey, has made a claim about Van Dijk. The 43-year-old, who was most recently a coach with Super Lig club Sivasspor, has explained why he believes Sanchez is "better" than the Liverpool captain.

''I think Sanchez is a better stopper than Van Dijk. In England, stoppers play regionally, they do not change their positions," Cetin told Ajannsspor.

"They do not enter the level of right back or left back. They constantly take positions in the centre. They usually play slowly. They intercept the ball in the centre because they are physically good. But they struggle when they have to open up.

"Van Dijk had a hard time against Baris Alper Yilmaz in the Turkey-Netherlands national match [at Euro 2024]. However, Sanchez is both in one game. He has a level, plays in a wider area and does not let anyone pass. He does a much more difficult job. He goes out with the ball very well.

"Sanchez is a much better stopper than Van Dijk. Maybe people will say come on from there, but it wouldn't matter if he was in Liverpool. For example, Sami Hyypia came to Turkey and was not liked. Therefore, Sanchez is better than Van Dijk and many stoppers in the Premier League.''