The ongoing feud between Jamie Carragher and Rio Ferdinand has taken a fresh new turn as the Liverpool defender, while filming during a TV studio debate, dubbed the Manchester United legend ‘a poor man’s Virgil van Dijk.’
The heated exchange adds fuel to the long-standing rivalry between the two football pundits.
The duo cover the Champions League for their respective broadcasters, as Ferdinand works for TNT while Carragher is a part of the CBS panel which includes ex-Arsenal talisman Thierry Henry, former Manchester City defender Micah Richards, and presenter Kate Abdo.
During filming at the CBS studios, Micah Richards recorded Carragher, about a debate that involved all-time defenders, while the show was off-air.
The former City star asked:
"Rio, JT, Sol Campbell, Tony Adams?"
Carragher replied:
"JT can play alongside him, I'll have that he'll be next on my list."
Richards is well aware of the animosity between Ferdinand and Carragher, and further pressed the former Reds centre-back on the name he despises the most.
"What about Rio, What about your mate?"
Carragher instantly responded by saying:
"Rio? He's a poor man's Virgil Van Dijk."
Jamie Carragher does not rate Rio Ferdinand😲😂
— The 44 ⚽️ (@The_Forty_Four) February 22, 2024
So, who was better… Jamie Carragher or Rio Ferdinand?🤔pic.twitter.com/IyqpGjcPK7
The verbal jabs between the pair have been a long-time phenomenon, with exchanges in the social media and heated debates in the past.
Carragher has previously called Ferdinand a ’clown’, following their contrasting views on VAR during the Milan derby last year.
The Liverpool ace was highly vocal against players moving to Saudi Pro League, until club legend Steven Gerrard moved to Saudi Arabia.
Ferdinand, then, took the opportunity to take a swipe at his ex-England teammate, saying:
"Jamie. Jamie Carragher. Where are you man? I heard a lot of talk, a lot of negativity about Saudi."
"Steven Gerrard's gone. You used to carry his boots and his bag at Anfield to games. Your boy's gone over there and I've not heard a peep out of you. I've not heard how disappointed you are. I want to see him say "I can't believe Stevie's gone there.""