Who remembers the good old days when defenders cost around £20 million?

As recently as 2014, the world-record for a defender was still Rio Ferdinand's move to Manchester United, but recent transfer windows have made his £41.4 million fee look like spare change.

One thing that hasn't changed, though, is that United remain the world-record holders and they regained that status with their capture of Harry Maguire for approximately £80 million.

Nobody was ever questioning Maguire's ability in the Premier League, but it was that eye-watering price tag that had people scratching their heads and applying the pressure on him.

However, there was no sign of nerves when the Englishman made his debut at the weekend, winning himself the Man of the Match award during a 4-0 thrashing of Chelsea.

World-record defenders

It's the kind of form that, if Maguire can maintain it over the season, will see his transfer fee confined to the history books much like Virgil van Dijk's move to Liverpool in January 2018.

The Dutchman was also signed for a world-record price and arguably received more reservations than the new kid on the block, only to silence his critics with phenomenal performances.

The parallels between the two moves, as well as the strong rivalry between United and Liverpool, has seen a rise in comparisons being made between the two.

Van Dijk vs Maguire video

We're pretty sure that Van Dijk takes the victory at the moment and is one of the frontrunners for the Ballon d'Or, but will Maguire draw level now that he's at a stronger Premier League team?

That's the question on everybody's lips and for those of you who are too impatient to let the season answer that, YouTuber 'Total Football' has allowed fans to get a head start.

They've compiled 10 minutes of highlights of both defenders, so that supporters can decide which player is better from their relative finest moments. Check it out down below:

Some of the finest defending the Premier League has seen over the last year, right there.

It goes to show that while both defenders have faced very different pressures with Liverpool and Leicester, they have both produced some superb last-ditch and goal-saving moments.

There are also great similarities between their one-on-defending with players like Heung-min Son, Leroy Sane and Kylian Mbappe all being thwarted across the video. 

It really makes you wonder what we'll be able to add from Maguire when the season comes to a close and he's enjoyed an entire year to settle into the United jersey.

For now, though, there has seldom been a better source of both players' highlights and we'll let you decide which player you'd have rather have marshalling your team's back four.

Who do you think is the better defender - Maguire or Van Dijk? Have your say in the comments section below.