"For me, Luke Littler is the greatest player we’ve ever seen" - Dave Chisnall ranks the world champion above Phil Taylor

In the run-up to a series of exhibition tournaments in Ireland, Dave Chisnall has spoken very highly of Luke Littler. He was left deeply impressed by the performances of the world champion, who is just 19 years old, and has even gone so far as to call him the greatest darts player of all time.

Last week, Littler won the World Matchplay for the second year running. In doing so, ‘The Nuke’ not only put in a rock-solid performance throughout the tournament, but also recorded a record average. For Chisnall, this was further proof that the young Englishman is something special

According to Chisnall, Littler seems to have little trouble performing at this level. Although there has also been some criticism of the enormous amount of attention Littler is receiving, Chisnall does not expect the hype to die down any time soon.

"I know some people are sick of him, but the boy is going nowhere else anytime soon. The way he plays, and how heavy he scores, is incredible for a boy of his age. I know some people will point to Phil Taylor being the greatest ever, and winning 16 x World Titles, but Luke is playing against better players now, and beating them even easier," said Chisnall during his weekly column for Kwiff.

Chisnall’s comments are striking, as he even ranks Littler above darts legend Phil Taylor. According to the former major finalist, the competition is much tougher these days than it was during the period when Taylor achieved his unprecedented successes.

"Phil had a lot of those players he would face regularly in finals beaten before a dart had ever been thrown. He had an aura and a dominance that made people fear him accordingly. You’d get a lot people crumbling under the pressure, whereas Luke is playing World Champions, and players that have done it at the very top. His record the last couple of years has seen him beat the likes of Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price, Michael Van Gerwen – top class World Champions who have been at the pinnacle at their sport.

By this, he is referring, amongst others, to players such as Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price and Michael van Gerwen, whom Littler has managed to beat on a regular basis over the past few seasons. For Chisnall, the conclusion is therefore clear.

"For me, Luke Littler is the greatest player we’ve ever seen, there are shades to an 18 year old Wayne Rooney about him. Rooney at 18 was incredible, and like nothing I’ve ever seen following England for 40+ years. For me, it would be Littler – Taylor – Van Gerwen for the three greatest to have played the game, and both Luke and MvG will trouser a few more World Championships just yet."

Following a disappointing week on the Pro Tour, Chisnall is now setting his sights on a number of exhibition tournaments in Ireland. He is travelling to Dublin with his manager Roger, where the first evening is completely sold out. Chisnall also appreciates the famous Irish hospitality, although there’s one local custom he invariably skips.

"We’ve got a quiet few weeks ahead now, so I’m playing in Ireland on a series of exhibitions, which I’ve done for the last few years. The crowds are always different class and the reception is always so warm and friendly. I’m always offered pints of Guinness but I don’t like the stuff lol. It should be a fun trip, me and my manager Roger are going, and I’m sure we’ll have a good trip away."