Following Saturday’s game against Tottenham, Alan Hansen has voiced his concerns about Rio Ferdinand, a man he claims was undoubtedly one of the best defenders in the world and is the best defender in the history of the Premier League.
Ferdinand was caught cold for 2 of Spurs’ goals on Saturday, beaten for pace by Gareth Bale for the second and then allowing Jermain Defoe to cut in after trying to force him wide for the 3rd.
Whilst he still believes Ferdinand is a very good player, Hansen feels almost aged 34 and with a history of injuries, the defender has seen his best days and may become a liabilty to United as the season progresses.
Speaking in his column in The Telegraph, the former Liverpool defender said:
“In my opinion, Ferdinand has been the best defender in the history of the Premier League and, while his loss of pace means he is no longer a great player, he is still a very good one.
“Rio Ferdinand, with his 34th birthday approaching next month, is hardly the future and that reality was brutally exposed against Tottenham.
“Rio was once blessed with pace and, when he was at his best, was undoubtedly one of the best defenders in the world. But the injuries that have stalked him in recent seasons, particularly his back problem, have led to the situation where he now finds himself in real trouble if he progresses beyond the 18-yard line.
“If he was able to play every game defending the edge of the 18-yard box, as Chelsea did against Barcelona in the Nou Camp last season, Rio would be able to get the cigars out and play in cruise control.
“But he has to play a higher line for United because they are an attacking side and that means he is vulnerable whenever he comes up against somebody with pace.”
Gary Mabbutt lol!! Mabbutt was an average player at best. Wouldn’t get near a Premier league team nowadays!
You would think that with all these ‘world class players’ Spurs would have actually won something instead of being the laughing stock they are!!!
To racist fools and joe or you two to think that of Ledley you obviously know nothing o about football other than what you see on match of the day I must admit McGrath was top drawer but to sy twice the player is very harsh Ledley is as good as any centre half since bobby Moore and people who know football will tell you that Ferdinand and terry have always played in good teams Ledley hasn’t and for most of his career has HDTV to save spurs on his own
How could king be the best defender in the premier leagues history?? The guy was made of balsa wood!! Talented player i agree but how can he compare with defenders that have played week in week out at the highest level ie Champions league and the business end of every season.
John, ive no problem with people having an opinion but choosing King is a surprising one. Had he been injury free then who knows but the truth is playing half the games his peers did throughout his career surely must count against him.