Liverpool legend Phil Thompson surprised his fellow Gillette Soccer Saturday pundits on Saturdayby claiming that highly-rated Virgil Van Dijk was not the best defender at Southampton.
Much to the dismay of former Saints player Matt Le Tissier, Thompson argued that Jose Fonte was a better player, having been a key player for the side since League One and won the Euros with Portugal in 2016
TRANSFER CENTRE: Jose Fonte informed by Southampton that they are not offering him a new contract. More here: https://t.co/htSNPMg72X pic.twitter.com/PyPi0dbzsm
The Portuguese international has made over 250 appearances for the Saints since joining in 2010, helping the club to make two consecutive promotions and to stabilise itself in the Premier League, finishing in a Europa League position last season.
However, the form of his team mate Virgil van Dijk has led to the Dutch international being linked with big-money moves away from St Mary's next season, as the former Celtic player has established himself as one of the league's best players this season.
"They've played him [Maya Yoshida] everywhere trying to find a position for him and you've got Jose Fonte [on the bench].
Liverpool legend makes shocking claim about Southampton defender Virgil Van Dijk https://t.co/NHxa9mmapm
"I'll tell you know that he has had his head turned at the Euros and he had a very good Euros.
"He's still the captain of that club and he's still by far the best centre-half. Van Dijk will become a top class centre-back."
Le Tissier would hilarious reply by stating "You've got to be kidding me".
When asked if he would take either Van Dijk or Fonte to Liverpool, Thompson answered "Fonte, because he is a leader."
"Van Dijk is a very good player and will go on to become one of the best.
"Fonte has been doing it for years.