Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has claimed that he and Nemanja Vidic are the two best defenders in Premier League history.
The 43-year-old and Virgil van Dijk were guests on the Between the Lines podcast and were each asked to name their top five defenders in Premier League history.
Ferdinand placed himself at the top of the list. He also stated his belief that Vidic does not get as much credit as he deserves for how good a footballer he was at Manchester United.
"I believe I was number one, serious, I’m putting myself number one straight away that’s how I approach everything. I’m going to go for Vidic second, partner in crime, I thought he led by example, didn’t ever say much. 'I was a talker, an organiser, he was an animal. He was the only player I saw that strikers looked at and thought ‘Woah’, look at his nose, he used a head through people to win the ball but he was actually a better footballer than people make out, he read the game really well, we had a good partnership.''
The two men spent nine seasons together at Manchester United and their defensive partnership is often considered among the greatest in Premier League history.
Their time together at Old Trafford saw them win nine major honors, including five Premier League titles. Vidic is one of only four players to win the Premier League Player of the Season award on two occasions and remains the only defender to win the award.
Manchester United's defense lacks the solidity and organization that Vidic and Ferdinand provided
Defensive solidity was a hallmark of Manchester United in the past and a strong defense often provided the bedrock for the successes they enjoyed in their heydey.
However, the Red Devils have struggled for defensive consistency in the last decade. Despite spending a significant amount to strengthen their backline, opposing teams still breach the Mancunians at will.
David de Gea is perhaps the only member of the backline who covered himself with glory last season. United conceded 57 goals in the just-concluded season, which marks their worst defensive performance in over three decades.
This is a long way off the levels the club operated at in the past and one of Erik ten Hag's priorities will be to solidify the backline.
MfechoDurell
2
this should be the animal 🤣
jinaiorsyz
0
only one animal we know 😂
Ashiqjacob
0
i wonder how its like if vidic partner with john terry. explosive.
Ashiqjacob
0
Vidic was much better than Ferdinand
agree. just that Ferdinand is english and have the say in the team.
Ashiqjacob
0
I mean Vidic is the best CB I have ever seen, cmon. He was better than Ramos. Next would be Terry for me. Then Van Dijk. Then Ferdinand.
1st vidic 2nd terry 3rd ferdinand
bittersweet47
0
the animal biggest nightmare
[image]
still win nothing ☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️
Reeabdnopt
0
ok continue
jezabdnpyz
0
And Ronaldo when the team doesnt play well he doesnt cover them he raises his hands and shakes he head as if it is their fault. John Barnes
Who Cares About What John Barnes Said❓‼️[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh] He Is A Scouser ‼️
MwenePuta
1
Sure! Vidic was seriously a beast. No nonsense defender!!!
bopaiopsz
0
John Terry better than you both
Maybe you have not started watching football by then
foccekmnos
2
the animal biggest nightmare
KingKresten
0
okay Ferdinand. Now You Pointing Out Facts. You Ain't Lie Or Talking Bull Here. Y'all Are The Damn True Definition Of Defenders In The Top Flight. Ferdinand Actually Just Made My Heart Sore With This Major Fact.
Kiwbnsz
1
AF why the 43 year old Virgil van Dijk instead of Rio Ferdinand
read again.. AF didn't commit any error there.
Tiuanpty
1
Tiuanpty
1
it's True
Sam_K
1
I mean Vidic is the best CB I have ever seen, cmon. He was better than Ramos. Next would be Terry for me. Then Van Dijk. Then Ferdinand.
Tiuanpty
0
KreddyKall
5
Vidic was much better than Ferdinand
wisdomboy33
0
You both are not even up to VVD
like d way piqua and puyol not better than vvd
Facblmy
0
You both are not even up to VVD
Don’t blame him for saying vvd is better than both of them because he as not started watching football when vidic and rio is playing so he can’t know what they up too.
Ribekmopsz
0
John Terry better than you both
ur on weeds
Caesar2210
0
Terry was better than Rio. I respect vidic as the best
😂 l greatly disagree..
yezbdkmost
0
AF why the 43 year old Virgil van Dijk instead of Rio Ferdinand
nukcklmo
0
Terry was better than Rio. I respect vidic as the best
😂😂 did you ever hear the name CJT? Captain John terry ? That’s the real animal mate vidic was insane no doubt so was skirtel
vesablrsyz
0
Terry was better than Rio. I respect vidic as the best
I disagree with u
adesinaalamu
3
Even if Manchester United have Virgil van Dijk and Pau Torres at the back, they would still concede a lot of goals unless those legless in defensive midfield are upgraded.... Manchester United defense is too exposed than anyone can imagine
Vuebcertuy
2
Now Maguire be like am second Vidic i use my head too
Rekcilnors
0
The Success Of Both Centre Backs~~~ Mutual Understanding.., Cover Each Other Backs.., Respect Within.., Communication Always.., Total Trust No Matter What. Vidic & Ferdinand Is THE BEST EXAMPLE OF ALL.
And Ronaldo when the team doesnt play well he doesnt cover them he raises his hands and shakes he head as if it is their fault. John Barnes
pepdilmopt
3
vidic history of defense in England
Citdinrst
2
John Terry better than you both
Zeucdeiky
0
You both are not even up to VVD
🌿 weed
Longleejnr
0
This United legend are fools 😂😂
Peuilnrstz
2
Terry was better than Rio. I respect vidic as the best
OG-Ash-2113
6
Vidic was levels above Rio
tutekntuz
2
Man u players always find a way to console themselves.
jezabdnpyz
3
The Success Of Both Centre Backs~~~ Mutual Understanding.., Cover Each Other Backs.., Respect Within.., Communication Always.., Total Trust No Matter What. Vidic & Ferdinand Is THE BEST EXAMPLE OF ALL.
menbekmruz
3
You both are not even up to VVD
your weed is strong. drink enough water after smoking
fortunate0001
1
You both are not even up to VVD
Vikkyy
2
Vidic my legend 🔥🔥🔥
Hipbcdmrt
2
Vidic always read game very well and Fernando Torres always scared both of you goals
DinAli316
2
ferdinand lying is a sin
Noora
4
Wow. Head through people to win a ball. That's just ....wow...😂😂😂