While Van Dijk Considered one of the best defenders of the world, he is known for his strength, leadership and aerial ability. On the other hand, Vidic established himself as one of the world's best center-backs during his prime, due to his defensive consistency and awareness.
Virgil Van Dijk:
Considered one of the best defenders of the world, he is known for his strength, leadership and aerial ability. In 2019 he was named the UEFA Men's Player of the Year and finished runner-up for the Ballon d'Or and The Best FIFA Men's Player. Having plied his trade at Groningen and Celtic, he moved to Southampton in 2015 and Liverpool in 2018 for a world record fee of 75m. Van Dijk was involved in reaching the 2018 UEFA Champions League Final in his first season at Liverpool. In his first full season at the club Van Dijk was named the PFA Player of the Year and the Premier League Player of the Season for the 2018–19 season. Van Dijk starred as Liverpool won the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final where he was named man of the match. Van Dijk made his international debut for the Netherlands in 2015 and became captain of his country in 2018. He was also the captain of the Netherlands National Team that finished runners up in the Nations League of 2019.
Nemanja Vidic:
After establishing himself at Red Star Belgrade during the early 2000s, Vidić moved to Spartak Moscow in the summer of 2004. He garnered more interest when he was part of the “Famous Four’ Serbian defence which only conceded one in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Vidić then established a prominent defensive partnership with Rio Ferdinand the following season, earning a reputation as one of the world's best center-backs during his prime, due to his defensive consistency and awareness, as well as his strength, leadership, and ability in the air. Vidic was the captain of the team from 2010 to 2014 before he left for Inter Milan. Vidić mainly featured as a rotational player for two seasons, eventually agreeing to early termination of his contract on 18 January 2016, as a result of inactivity due to a hernia injury. Vidić then announced his retirement just under two weeks later, on 29 January. Vidić collected a host of honors in his United career, including three consecutive Premier League titles (five titles in total), the UEFA Champions League, the FIFA World Club Cup, three League Cup medals, as well as being included in three consecutive (four in total) PFA Team of the Year sides from 2007 to 2009. In the 2008–09 season, he helped United to a record-breaking run of 14 consecutive clean sheets and was awarded the Premier League Player of the Season award.
Basis |
Van Dijk (2018/19) |
Vidic (2008/09) |
Clean Sheets |
17 |
23 |
Goals Conceded |
20 |
16 |
Blocks |
17 |
26 |
Interception |
39 |
71 |
Tackles |
34 |
62 |
Tackles Won |
24 |
45 |
Last Man Tackles |
1 |
4 |
Clearances |
183 |
360 |
