Virgil van Dijk scores outrageous free kick in training
Liverpool signed the Dutch star for £75million from Southampton last night, with the deal set to be completed when the transfer window reopens on January 1.
But the world record fee for a defender has since come under heavy scrutiny.
And Championship manager Warnock has waded in with his say to claim that Van Dijk is not as good as his centre-half Sol Bamba.
The shocking claim is then expanded as Warnock breaks down both players’ attributes to explain why Bamba is better.
Cardiff boss Neil Warnock spoke about Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk.
I think Sol Bamba is slightly better than Van Dijk defensive-wise.
Neil Warnock speaking about Virgil van Dijk.
"I think Van Dijk has got better attributes on the ball than Sol Bamba but I don't think he is a better defender," Warnock said.
"I think Sol Bamba is slightly better than Van Dijk defensive-wise.
“I think Van Dijk has got more confidence on the ball and looks easier on the eye, but I don't think he is better defensively."
Warnock then revealed that he tried to sign Van Dijk when boss of Crystal Palace.
GETTY
Van Dijk move to Liverpool for £75million last night.
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"At centre-half I was looking at Van Dijk [when I was in charge at Crystal Palace],” Warnock added.
“I suggested we buy him for £6m at the time and the chief scout said he wasn't quick enough and didn't see him stepping up [from the Scottish league] to the level we were looking for.
"I hope he's watching this morning that chief scout, £75m!
"You've got to be lucky with transfers when you're a manager, you've got to hope that when you want a player you can actually go and get him rather than go through all the rigmarole but it made me smile in the morning when I saw that."