The Importance of Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand is a classy centre-back. In fact, he is arguably the country’s finest; a gift to the English game. Yet still he goes unappreciated by some. His 400^th match for Manchester United in September was therefore a timely reminder of the seminal buy he became when purchased from Leeds United in 2002.

Considered one of the world’s best centre-backs ten years ago, he has remained in that elite category for his decade at United. Since that move in 2002 he has undergone a drugs ban, won the Champions League, been part of one of the most formidable defensive partnerships ever, and suffered a testing time with the national team. And although doubted by many, there is plenty to affirm that he is still a vital cog in the United system.

Ferdinand’s defensive abilities are supreme. The way in which he excels at several aspects of his game is what distinguishes him as one of the best.  His aptitude with the ball at his feet is something all too rare in modern defenders, and is essential in bringing a calm and control to the team when bringing the ball forward from defence. He has a honed talent in reading the game which allows him to take up good positions and make important interceptions. Ferdinand is also a pacey defender, once upon a time one of the quickest in the world, and still now at 33 much quicker than the average Premier League defender.

It was frequent injuries and national exile that led to premature suggestions that his career was all but over not too long ago. Sir Alex Ferguson only served to add fuel to this fire in the autumn of 2011 when announcing to the media that Ferdinand had lost some pace and needed to adapt his game-this was the proof many wanted that Ferdinand has lost it, that he was no longer what he was, that his playing days were ending. They were proved incorrect however.

The season of 2011-2012, in the absence of Nemanja Vidic due to injury, saw a fit Ferdinand igniting a partnership with Jonny Evans as he produced some of his best form for a couple of seasons. This was the catalyst that started to scatter the doubters. And even now, as the 2012-2013 season has begun, Ferdinand has once again managed to stay fit and show his defensive importance to the United side. Even Ferguson has been forthcoming in his praise for the centre-back.

Aside from the footballing qualities of Rio Ferdinand, he also brings other benefits to the Manchester United set-up. For one, he is a highly experienced player, and only behind Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes at the club in that respect. His experience is absolutely necessary in helping to guide youngsters such as David de Gea and Rafael da Silva as they look to establish themselves in the team around him. Had Ferdinand not been suffering from recurring injuries at the time, it is plausible that it would’ve been him, and not Nemanja Vidic, that took the captaincy mantle from Gary Neville in 2010.

Ferdinand is also clearly an asset as a role model around the club. In an interview last year, Ferguson revealed how Ferdinand had been doing a lot behind the scenes in trying to persuade Paul Pogba to stay at Old Trafford. Although that attempt may have been in vain, it is clear that Ferdinand is respected by his colleagues around him in Manchester, and that he has a good manner with young players in helping them to make their way at United.

At 33, Rio Ferdinand is well into the second-half of his glittering career, and perhaps may not remain at United for many more years. There is lots of young talent trying to break through, and even rumours of the player himself looking to end his career in the MLS in America. What is certain though, is that his time at United has been invaluable. He is criminally under-appreciated by some, not just for his defensive abilities, but also because of the person he is, and the benefits his personality brings to a club like Manchester United. Whilst he remains at Old Trafford, it is vitally important we treasure the genius he brings us.