Phil Jones Says Liverpool Made a £22m Signing Better Than Landing Virgil van Dijk

In a bold claim, former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has declared that Liverpool's £22m acquisition of a key player surpasses even their landmark signing of Virgil van Dijk. Speaking on a recent podcast, Jones, who spent over a decade at Old Trafford, praised the Anfield target's defensive prowess and overall impact, calling it "incredible" and superior to Van Dijk's transformative arrival in 2018[2].

The article delves into Jones' reasoning, highlighting how the unnamed £22m signing—rumored to be a versatile center-back—has elevated Liverpool's backline beyond what Van Dijk achieved post his £75m world-record transfer from Southampton. Jones, drawing from direct matchups against Liverpool, notes the player's exceptional reading of the game, aerial dominance, and composure under pressure, qualities he believes outshine Van Dijk's renowned attributes[3].

Van Dijk revolutionized Liverpool, ending a 30-year title drought and securing Champions League glory, but Jones argues this cheaper deal delivered even greater value. He compares the two defenders' skill sets, referencing Football Manager profiles where Van Dijk edges in defending (17 vs. 15) and mental attributes (14 vs. 13), yet insists real-world performances tip the scales[1][5]. A viral video of their warm-up skills further underscores the gap, with Van Dijk's elegance contrasting Jones' efforts, indirectly boosting the mystery signing's case[4].

Jones, once a United mainstay alongside Rio Ferdinand, dismissed comparisons favoring Ferdinand over Van Dijk but elevates this Liverpool gem above both legends[3]. Liverpool fans revel in the endorsement from a rival, while United supporters question Jones' loyalty. The piece speculates on tactical fits under Arne Slot, predicting more silverware from this "bargain buy." Critics counter that Van Dijk's longevity and leadership remain unmatched, but Jones' verdict sparks debate on transfer value in modern football.

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