In response to comparisons between himself and Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, John Terry has stated that any discussion on who was the superior Premier League defender needs to be supported by reliable facts.
In a social media video, the former Chelsea captain responded to Jamie O’Hara and Jermaine Pennant’s remarks on TalkSport on Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidić, and Van Dijk’s relative rankings.
“If you said you want John Terry or Virgil van Dijk, I’m having Virgil van Dijk,” Pennant remarked, selecting van Dijk over Terry in the discussion.
Terry responded by saying, “Guys, everyone has the right to voice their opinions in this debate, but Pens (Pennant), when you’re on the radio and you’re expressing your opinion, you have to get the statistics right.”
Terry emphasized his personal accomplishments, saying, “I am the only defender in Premier League history with the most goals.” In Premier League history, I also hold the record for the most clean sheets. In addition, I have more trophies than Virgil if you’re comparing the two of us.
“At the age of 34, 2014–15, I played every single minute of every game for Chelsea winning the league,” he said, referencing his incredible season under José Mourinho.
“I adore the argument. I enjoy being a part of it. “I’m quite proud of what I’ve accomplished in the Premier League, but it’s obviously up to you guys to resolve the argument,” he continued. “I just enjoy being a part of it.”
The former England captain has the most goals scored by a defender (41) and clean sheets (228) in Premier League history. As of right now, 34-year-old Van Dijk has 13 Premier League goals and 104 clean sheets.
