The debate between John Terry and Virgil van Dijk is currently one of the most heated arguments among football fans. Many are finding it difficult to choose between the two defenders. Softfootball has taken a holistic look at the comparison.
First of all, Van Dijk is a very good defender. In the 2019/2020 season, he played every Premier League game as Liverpool F.C. won the league. Similarly, in the 2014/2015 season, Terry played all the league games for Chelsea F.C. when they lifted the title.
In the current 2025/26 season, as of 19th February 2026, Van Dijk has again played all 26 league matches for Liverpool. John Terry also achieved a similar feat at age 34, playing every league game when Chelsea won the title under Antonio Conte.
When it comes to league titles, Terry has won five Premier League trophies, while Van Dijk has won two. In terms of goals, Van Dijk has scored 27 league goals in 326 appearances, while Terry scored 41 in over 400 appearances, making him the highest-scoring defender in Premier League history.
Terry also holds the record for the most clean sheets as a defender in the Premier League. Beyond domestic success, he won the Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup. Van Dijk, on the other hand, has won the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.
It is also important to note that at just 25 years old, Terry captained Chelsea to their first Premier League title. At that time, the squad was filled with top players, yet he still emerged as a strong leader. That speaks to his leadership qualities and aura within the team.
No disrespect to Van Dijk, but football was different during Terry’s era compared to today. The game was more direct and physical then, while modern football is more tactical and structured.
In the end, both defenders are great in their own generations. The debate may continue, but what is clear is that both have left powerful legacies in the Premier League.
