Rio Ferdinand believes Patrice Evra was a better left-back than Liverpool's Andy Robertson – despite hailing the Scot as 'top drawer'.
Ferdinand played alongside Evra for eight-and-a-half years at Manchester United, winning the Premier League five times and the Champions League once under Sir Alex Ferguson.
They also played alongside each other for one season under David Moyes towards the end of their careers.
Robertson, on the other hand, has shone for Liverpool since an £8million move from Hull City in the summer of 2017.
He has won the Champions League and is on the cusp of winning the Premier League under Jurgen Klopp – although their likely coronation has been delayed by the coronavirus crisis.
The 26-year-old has become a serious attacking threat for Liverpool, but on an Instagram Live Q&A, Ferdinand praised his old team-mate for his defensive qualities.
'I've got to go with Evra, Evra is a better player,' said Ferdinand.
'He's quicker, stronger. In between the boxes Evra is better as well, can play and move, gets in behind people.
'He didn't have as many assists as someone like Robertson, but he scored more.
'He was a better one versus one defender, but Robertson is top drawer, don't get me wrong.'
Evra made 379 appearances for United between 2006 and 2014, while Robertson has already clocked up 119 games in his time at Anfield.
jaazibshah
515
Every player is special in their own unique way. There are many amazing 😉 left backs in the world. They all play in their fields and are rated in different ways too. Patrice Evra was something special too. A little bit of spark ⚡️ here and there would make the game interesting and would do a fantastic job in defending. ALL HAIL TO A LEGEND !! 👑👑 PATRICE EVRA
bikailmy
290
There are many left backs who left marks in football.Think of Roberto Carlos, Paolo Maldini, etc No need of this comparison. When Robertson will retire we will evaluate him. For now he is wonderful
FaithEvans
246
Is this even debatable... Patrice Evra was twice, if not thrice the player Robertson is. Robbo is good but there's still a long way to go before he reaches the levels of Ashley Cole, old Leighton Baines, John Arne Riise etc, before anyone starts comparing him to Evra! You have to be consistent for a long time before you're grouped in the same class as these players
vanvicent
110
Its unfair to compare Patrice Evra with Andrew Robertson. He hasn't played even a quarter of Evra's if he was Marcelo I would have listened