Paul Merson has said that Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk would've struggled against Arsenal's 'Invincibles' team of 2003-04. The Gunners, featuring Thierry Henry and Denis Bergkamp, remains the only team to go unbeaten in a Premier League campaign.
Merson also opined that the current Reds and Manchester City teams aren't as good as the teams of years past. He added that the 1998-99 Manchester United team, Arsenal's 'Invincibles' (2003-04) and Jose Mourinho's Chelsea were better than the duo.
In his column for The Daily Star, Merson wrote:
"Liverpool and Manchester City are still not up there yet with the greatest Premier League teams of all time. They are both great teams, and they meet in what should be a real humdinger of a match this weekend that will help decide the title. But when I hear people say these are two of the best teams we've ever seen in the Premier League, I'm not sure they are."
He added:
"Arsenal's Invincibles team was one of the greats. So were Manchester United's treble-winning side. And then there's Jose Mourinho's Chelsea. It's too soon to put either of these teams in that class just yet, in my opinion."
Merson also added that Van Dijk, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho would have struggled against the aforementioned teams. He wrote:
"Take Liverpool. Virgil Van Dijk is a great player. But I'd love to see him defend against Thierry Henry in his pomp, with Dennis Bergkamp dropping off. I'm not sure he'd be able to!"
Merson added:
"Could Jordan Henderson and Fabinho live with Emmanuel Petit and Patrick Vieira in midfield? Or Roy Keane and Paul Scholes? We've seen some brilliant teams dominate the Premier League and win multiple titles. I just don't think Liverpool and City are quite there yet."
Liverpool and Manchester City to clash in potential Premier League title decider
The Reds and City are not amongst the greatest Premier League teams of all time, as per Merson. However, they have certainly been the two best English teams since 2018, winning the last four titles (City-3, Liverpool-1).
They look set to extend that run this season, as City and the Reds are separated by just one point with eight games remaining.
Both teams are set to face off at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, March 10, in what could be a potential title decider. Both teams are in contention to win the continental treble and will lock horns in the FA Cup semifinals on April 16. They could also meet in the UEFA Champions League final.
The Reds are eyeing an unprecedented quadruple, having won the League Cup earlier this season.
cosbclmsyz
0
The last time I check Henry and Bergkamp is not Messi or Ronaldo . Look at VVD record against them . We always be bias towards our teams , but something are just undeniable. Even the blind can see . Merson is not blind so I figured he just dumb
Bless up bro Barca fans you guys speaks the truth
DrMongo
1
bull$hit
Pacekopruy
0
Noise maker have it in your mind that Arsenal have never won a Champions league and the United side did not score the maximum point that Liverpool won the league. Senseless noise maker.
toolrsty
0
stop been jealous Paul
Yikailptz
1
this is rubbish
Bokabdempt
2
move on lah old man talking nonsense
Subbklptyz
1
this guy just love to be notice that all, what arsenal achieve with their invincible only the epl, after that nothing, now coming to man united,no disrespect to them but that team in 1999 is an average.now what. take this man city team and man united team and go wing by wing, pick ur eleven players from both sides and do same with lfc and arsenal then u will all understand what this guy is saying,he just wants to be notice of arsenal team. jealous
buhcnotu
0
2003🤣🤣🤣, some people is funny
Nuhdeirsy
1
Arsenal past and present have never won Champions league. So Liverpool present is better because they are even winning the Champions league.
Lawbenop
3
The last time I check Henry and Bergkamp is not Messi or Ronaldo . Look at VVD record against them . We always be bias towards our teams , but something are just undeniable. Even the blind can see . Merson is not blind so I figured he just dumb
Fuoalmnpuz
0
the greatest defender in epl
Zopabdmnps
0
nothing but the truth
Yakbers
1
The truth is always bitter you know!!!
Liverpool_4_Life
1
Psst...Hey Mr Merson, zip it! It just doesn't make sense to compare teams or players from a different time. Arsenal, Man Utd and Chelsea were immaculate during their time and no one can take away anything from them, the same manner no one can take away anything from Man City and Liverpool at the moment.
Tim27
1
Nobody knows, so shut the f up.
mahommednyaude
1
nonsense talk 🤡🤡🤡 just because they retired now he can't defend against them when he managed to silence the great messi , mbape , neymar and cr7 who is Henry to messi or cr7
ebruba
1
man with Sense is speaking