Van Dijk vs Gabriel 'not a fair race' according to Ben Foster as he picks between Arsenal and Liverpool stars
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Virgil van Dijk has been one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League for years, but Arsenal are impressing this season and Ben Foster rates Gabriel highly.Van Dijk’s form has been questioned in 2025/26, with the Reds conceding 39 league goals already this term compared to the Gunners’ league-low 22 conceded.Now, Ben Foster has been asked to pick between the Dutchman and Gabriel, saying the Brazilian is currently better. Liverpool’s forwards ALL deserve to be dropped against Spurs 😶 Which three would you go with against a side shipping so many goals?
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Catherine Ivill/AMA Gabriel a better centre-back than Virgil van Dijk nowSpeaking on his YouTube channel, Ben Foster – The Cycling GK, the ex-goalkeeper was picking between a number of top Premier League players in various positions.When it came to Van Dijk vs Gabriel, the former Wrexham man admitted that in the current campaign, the Arsenal centre-back is better.However, he still thinks Liverpool’s captain was one of the best centre-backs a few years ago.He said: “At this moment in time, this moment in time, I’m having Gabriel.“I’m having VVD [if it was today’s Gabriel vs Van Dijk three years ago].“I don’t think it’s a fair race because Virgil from two or three years ago is, in my eyes, still one of the best defenders to have played.” Who is your dream Liverpool manager in 2026/27? Jurgen Klopp or Xabi Alonso? 🤤 Photo Credit: Getty Images/Justin Setterfield/Jurgen Fromme/Firo Sportphoto Gabriel’s verdict on Virgil van DijkGabriel joined Arsenal in 2020 from Lille when Van Dijk was already established at Liverpool and cementing himself as one of the Premier League’s all-time top centre-backs.Shortly after he arrived at the Emirates, the South American commented on the Reds stopper, sharing his admiration.As quoted by the Mirror, he said: “It is a great league, with the best players in the world.
One defender I admired a lot and was able to play against was Van Dijk.“Also playing against Manchester City… we lost the game, but I was able to learn too.”He has since made a total of 184 appearances in the English top flight, scoring 20 and assisting eight compared to Van Dijk’s 28 goals and nine assists in 330 league games.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox