William Gallas snubs Van Dijk when naming Premier League’s two best defenders

The former Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham centre-half gave a revealing answer when he was asked to name the two best defenders – with Liverpool lynchin van Dijk a surprise omission

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William Gallas has raised a few eyebrows with his choice of best defenders in the Premier League.

Faced with such a poser, many would probably opt for Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk or perhaps Manchester United’s Raphael Varane.

But not Gallas. The former Arsenal and Chelsea centre-half instead picked two defenders at rival top flight clubs.

The former France international spent more than a decade in England, winning two Premier League titles at Chelsea before switching to Arsenal in 2006.

He also represented Tottenham.

Gallas was asked by Genting Casino as to which two Premier League defenders he ranks as the best.

Who would you say is the best Premier League defender? Let us know in the comments

Gallas said: “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.

“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.

“So that’s why Chalobah, Rudiger, Christensen play so well. Thiago Silva is one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

“But as well, you’ve got Ruben Dias at Man City. He 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.”

Liverpool lynchpin van Dijk did not mince his words following their defeat to Leicester on Tuesday.

The Dutchman saw his colleagues waste a glut of chances, including a missed penalty from Mo Salah. And he made it clear the Reds must improve if they are to close the gap on leaders Man City.

Van Dijk said: “I think they [Leicester] deserved the win but that was obviously also down to us. I think we were poor in the last third.

“A lot of crosses they defended well. Overall, not a good performance. They didn’t create much but looked dangerous on the break which they are good at.

“Credit to them. We have to look at ourselves and improve, which we will do. It’s part of football.

“We will keep trying until the very end. We created good chances but unfortunately today wasn’t the day it went in the back of the net. Penalty miss, which happens. But it’s disappointing.

“Obviously you don’t want to concede at all. We let Lookman get into space and unfortunately the goal went in.

“But we had moments we reacted and created chances to do better. You have to give them credit as well.”