Rio Ferdinand snubbed Kevin De Bruyne when listing the Premier League's greatest-ever midfielders – insisting the Manchester City legend is not better than Steven Gerrard 'on any day of the week.'
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former Manchester United and England defender named Paul Scholes, Roy Keane and Gerrard as his ultimate midfield trio – meaning there was no place for De Bruyne despite his glittering CV.
'De Bruyne's not better than Gerrard on any day of the week,' Ferdinand said bluntly. 'I'm sorry, he's not.'
The topic came up during a lively debate with presenter Joel Beya, who pushed back on Ferdinand's take – only for the United legend to double down.
'I've got Vieira, De Bruyne, Lampard, Keane, Gerrard, Scholes. They're my Mount Rushmore's, my Holy Grail midfielders,' Ferdinand explained.
'I'm going to say Vieira, Lampard and De Bruyne just miss out.'
That left three spots – and Ferdinand did not hesitate.
He declared: 'Scholes. Scholes has got eight Premier League titles. Is it eight? I think it's eleven! Just for that, he has to get in! Eleven! Double figures. There's only two people that have got double figures, I think. Him and Giggsy.'
Ferdinand also reserved huge praise for his former captain Roy Keane, hailing the Irishman's long-term influence and leadership at Old Trafford.
'I don't know if there's been more of an influential midfielder on a team for as long a period and as dominant as him.
'Vieira was bad,' Ferdinand added, using the term as a compliment. 'I love Vieira. He was baaaaad. But if we're talking [about] a man who could dominate a game, you need to go and watch the clips.
'I think people that watch him as a pundit today, and didn't watch him as a player live, don't understand. He was of another planet. Was top, top, top, top level. Roy Keane was the midfielder's midfielder.'
With Scholes and Keane locked in, Ferdinand completed his top three with ex-Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard – despite Beya questioning whether he deserved the nod ahead of De Bruyne.
'So you're putting Gerrard above Kevin De Bruyne?' Beya asked.
'Yeah,' replied Ferdinand, without hesitation.
The debate comes just days after De Bruyne revealed that he will leave City at the end of the season.
The Belgian maestro – widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation – has lifted six Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola.
However, he confirmed on Friday that he will not be signing an extension to his current contract, which is due to expire on June 30.
Inter Miami president David Beckham is understood to be considering an offer for the Belgian, 33.
deuabcepsy
1
De burun
Patruxxy2
0
another empty headed person who knows nothing about football is speaking for what he don't know
ahabyonamugaigagmai
1
Ferdinand is just jealousy
vaeabcips
2
what does Rio know about football, what he knows is just criticism
Cioabcdopr
1
Rio sit quiet
Cioabcdopr
1
what is rio Fernandez own contribution in football.
Yumbcnrstu
0
Keane was a great Captain but can’t be compared to Scholes or the other midfielders.
Zokabcdnz
1
Gerrard was not better than patrick viera
rafaeljoel
0
My dear, football is football still KDB is greater only frank lapard and Pual scholes I can compare with the Belgian kdb
but I was too open bro.....little did i disagree
Seddekoprt
2
kdb the best ever.
Seddekoprt
2
go and sit down, Rio you are just a hater
Wuhacikmy
1
KDB is the best in the planet
Litelntz
0
Rio just bad mind of debruyne success anyways that's his opinion so go to yell lol
Caubdstyz
1
And I Don care about that k bye😂🤣
He didn’t win the English premier league with Liverpool hope you know
Dante101
0
FERDINAND BIGGEST HIPPO THERE IS. MATE TALKING SHIT JUST CAUSE HE WAS A UNITED PLAYER, A PURE HYPOCRITE FERDINAND IS
sihbdeikr
3
kdb is the king of midfielder ever.who's ferdinand
Jabacnostu
0
Bias and hypocrisy in Ferdinand list. He uses trophies won in selecting Scholes, ok, then he drops the yardstick in selecting Gerard...taking all parameters such as playmaking, chance creation, passes, assists, dribbles, goal scoring and influencing games, KDB is by far bigger and better than all of them. In just 10 seasons, KBD managed to win everything individually and collectively and dominate EPL like no other and dominate Europe as well. How on earth can you chose Gerard who never won EPL for his entire career. Then he choose Scholes who has never been a leader in Man U team. Roy Kean that dirty player who use to break players legs and celebrate doing it. In fact in every game I will never chose Keane. KDB has more assists and chance creation than all midfielders in EPL despite playing fewer games, he produces 40% of Man City's goals. That's INSANE!!! Only Messi bettered him.
Vasakopry
0
Gerald is the best midfielder ever played in EPL. Go cry and come Back my post will remain here for ages [ko]
And I Don care about that k bye😂🤣
kuhklpstz
0
you people talking about this yawa Medfielders and you forgot the best frank lampard
Kocbemot
0
if you actually saw those players he listed in action you will agree with him on the names he listed. They are all great players. But Mister Liverpool is not in any way better than De Bryne. No way! De Bryne has his place in top 3 best midfielders in EPL secured. I hate to say this but after everything said and done, De Bryne's records is still far better than Steven Gerard.
How do you analyze football,how can you compare Kelvin and Gerard , Gerard is far better than kelvin or maybe you never watch Gerard before, forget about record, Kelvin played in well organized team but Gerard played in a mixed up team, please respect Gerard he carried the whole Liverpool responsibility on his head,he is a machine,engine room,game changer and game leader, I can never stop loving him
Cityfanchamp23
2
Englishman is on another level,for reasons unknown
Zuwabesz
5
Gerald is the best midfielder ever played in EPL. Go cry and come Back my post will remain here for ages [ko]
returnofthesaith
3
if you actually saw those players he listed in action you will agree with him on the names he listed. They are all great players. But Mister Liverpool is not in any way better than De Bryne. No way! De Bryne has his place in top 3 best midfielders in EPL secured. I hate to say this but after everything said and done, De Bryne's records is still far better than Steven Gerard.
radiknry
1
what about Patrick viera
Kiedinpty
0
since dat Guy so called Rio has smoked tobacco his no come to normal
dougiefresh
0
Gerard, without any premier league how can he be greater than KDB style up Rio , Kevin has One Ucl , 4 premier league in less than five years
but he played 10
dougiefresh
0
Nobody cares about what the thirsty pundits talk about.
pain
SonOfPep
2
Nobody cares about what the thirsty pundits talk about.
vuhbnoprty
2
Some footballers speak like novice in the game . Gerard was a good defensive midfielder, he loves challenges and very determined however in terms of being technical , I Gerald is no where close to KDB. Even Iniesta and Kross will respect KDB. The vision, the dribbling, the shots on goal .
lioabciors
1
Rio Ferdinand, it seems you smoke some thing, fans what personal achievements trophies, contributions for the team and national team.
wusbmnrsz
1
JEALOUSY from Man Divided player [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
lioabciors
0
You're they're for your generation but for the generation of 2010 KDB has to be the king....take it or it
My dear, football is football still KDB is greater only frank lapard and Pual scholes I can compare with the Belgian kdb
Cunbmnrsty
0
For sure how can you compare KDB with gerrard, this guy has more than 4 premier league’s in less than 5yrs reached two UCL won and lost one Kevin is class apart man
Gerald hu never won even a single epl
lioabciors
1
he is just supporting his England 🏴 teamates
For sure how can you compare KDB with gerrard, this guy has more than 4 premier league’s in less than 5yrs reached two UCL won and lost one Kevin is class apart man
lioabciors
0
Gerrard best ever
Apart from the final Liverpool played Ac Milan and they won on penalties what other games can you convince people about gerrard two finals won one lost one but no premier league???????
lioabciors
2
Gerard, without any premier league how can he be greater than KDB style up Rio , Kevin has One Ucl , 4 premier league in less than five years
Wedaklmru
2
bias on his own teammates 🤣
foabdeprty
1
KDB, scholes n viera
ngc3bo
1
No one cares about opinions
Vetabciktu
3
Gerrard best ever
Cunbmnrsty
2
he is just supporting his England 🏴 teamates
saoabdeiny
0
currently Manchester united is on number 15
tukbcikm
0
past is past
Socbikmrsu
0
who is Ferdinand
rafaeljoel
4
You're they're for your generation but for the generation of 2010 KDB has to be the king....take it or it