Ruud van Nistelrooy snubs Virgil van Dijk as best Dutch Premier League player of all time, ‘unusual one’ is his clear pick
Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy didn’t think twice about snubbing Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk as the best Dutch player in Premier League history.
Ruud van Nistelrooy could make his own claim for the so-called ‘Dutch Premier League GOAT’ accolade after his legendary playing spell with Manchester United.
The 48-year-old Dutchman was initially intended to sign for the Red Devils in 2000 before a failed medical test scuppered his move to Old Trafford.
However, Sir Alex Ferguson went back into the market in 2001 and signed United legend Van Nistelrooy for a British record transfer fee at the time of £19m.
Van Nistelrooy’s arrival from PSV Eindhoven saw the former United and Netherlands striker have a sensational impact under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.
The ex-Dutch forward netted an incredible 150 times in 219 appearances for United during his remarkable five seasons at the Premier League club.
Van Nistelrooy lifted a Premier League title, an FA Cup and a League Cup before his relationship with Ferguson and he was sold to Real Madrid in 2006.
Van Nistelrooy on Dutch Premier League GOAT
Virgil van Dijk has been widely hailed for his transformative impact at Anfield after Liverpool signed the Dutchman from Southampton for a £75m fee in 2018.
The 33-year-old Dutch centre-back has been a linchpin figure for the Reds and has made 303 appearances for Liverpool and became club captain back in 2023.
During his time at Anfield, Van Dijk has lifted a Premier League title, a Champions League trophy, two League Cups and an FA Cup with Liverpool.
