Lots of us were really worried when Toby jumped ship but VVD is the real deal and I for one wouldn't go back. He seems to be getting better game by game and its yet another genius buy. He could be a rock for us for years to come COYS!
If he's still here in a couple of years he'll be battling with JWP for the captaincy. As well as being a great footballer, he is very intelligent (today's little faux pas in the dying minutes notwithstanding). Someone on the Guardian website called him the best signing in the Premier League last summer, and I wouldn't disagree.
Defensively, i'd say Toby..just, seemed a bit more solid and could be moved to DM if needed though Virgil is better at dealing with headers. Offensively, VvD by a fair bit. The lads a beast and provided he stays fit could easily notch up 8+ goals a season.
Too early for me to make such a call. Similar to last season, when the talk was Lovren v Toby. I didn't want to commit this early on - come the end of the season though, Toby had impressed me so much consistently that it was a relatively easy call (even though I was very impressed with Lovren's 12 months with us).
No contest, VVD is just so dominant, is equally good with the ball on the deck, real threat in the opposition box, plus hits a mean free kick
VvD can also play CDM. Loved Toby - absolute quality and not surprised spuds are doing well defensively. VvD is looking amazing. I can't split them at the moment, but Fran's criteria seems pretty sensible. One is a Saints player!
Absolutely. Virgil's effect on our defence was instantaneous, and his understanding with Fonte and the full backs was telepathic from the start.
Easy to say VvD is better, but if you think back clearly and remember the detail, Toby was absolute class. VvD has something slightly more of the maverick about him, but I'd say they're at the same level, but with slightly different strengths and weaknesses. Can see VvD making a stupid mistake that gives away a goal amongst his solidity, whereas I couldn't see that with Toby. VvD, though, has more of the cult hero about him, and is going to make runs and score goals that Toby never would. Just glad we signed him to a five-year contract. Potential CB in PL team of the season?
Well I haven't missed Toby so it's got to be VVD as he saw how brilliant Saints are and signed a contract with us.