Van Dijk ignored as Gallas picks out the top two Prem defenders
William Gallas believes Thiago Silva and Ruben Dias are ahead of Virgil van Dijk as the two best defenders in the Premier League at the moment.
Silva and Dias both made the move to the Premier League ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.
Chelsea signed Silva on a free transfer from PSG after his contract expired. There were doubts surrounding the 36-year-old, but he has been an integral figure for the Blues.
What the PL table might look like without postponements
Dias meanwhile joined Man City for a fee that could rise to £61m with add-ons. He was a standout for City last term as he won the Premier League Player of the Year award.
The Man City star helped Pep Guardiola’s side lift the Premier League last season. Silva meanwhile captained Chelsea as they won the Champions League earlier this year.
As quoted by the Daily Mail, Gallas has suggested that Silva and Dias are ahead of van Dijk:
“I will speak about two players. I will speak about Thiago Silva because, he always finds the edge. I think what he does for Chelsea, it’s magnificent,” Gallas said.
“As you know, to play in the Premier League it’s not easy. It’s very physical. And Thiago Silva is 36 years old. He is the boss of that defence. He’s mature, he’s got experience.
“So that’s why players like Rudiger and Chalobah, when they play next to Thiago Silva, they feel secure. Thiago Silva, with his experience, he takes all the pressure on his shoulder.
“Thiago Silva is one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
“[Dias] is a very strong, and a very thoughtful defender. He doesn’t make a lot of fouls. In his position, that is always good. That is how he communicates to his team.
“He doesn’t speak a lot, but he doesn’t have to. But you know, he looks strong. So those two players, for me, are the best defenders in the Premier League.”
Dias has been a mainstay for Man City this term. The Premier League champions currently sit eight points clear at the top of the table.
They have won ten league games in a row and they are back in action on New Year’s Day as they travel to face Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.