Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic usually does his defending against the opposing teams top strikers, but this week he found himself defending a fellow center-back and team-mate Rio Ferdinand.
Vidic defended Ferdinand in the midst of critics suggesting that the England international does not have much to offer the Red Devils.
“When you look at what has happened to Rio over the last few weeks, we have to remember this is a player who played in most of the big games last season, helped us win the Premier League title and reach the Champions League final, and yet after one game people are saying he is not good enough any more,” Vidic told reporters.
“I think this is wrong and Rio showed that [against Sunderland]. Sometimes when you have been at the top a long time like Rio has, people judge you on your age and they are waiting for one bad game to say: ‘Oh, he’s finished.’
“But the way Rio played was the perfect way to show he is not finished. He showed strength of character. He showed he still has the quality and ability to play at the top level.
“He showed class, he showed determination, as well as his ability to help the players around him.”
Vidic added that he had no problem making the switch from left-center-back to the right despite playing the majority of his career on the left side.
“The manager decided to play me on the right and Rio on the left,” added Vidic.
“That didn’t cause us a problem. Rio had a great game.
“I think his experience is important, especially when you have young players in the team and the defence is changing all the time.
“I just hope Rio stays fit because he is a player who can help the young players.”
Now then, Rio Ferdinand can still play football, but United must not rely heavily on his services. I am a big fan of Rio, but his injury record speaks for itself.
When you combine his susceptibility to injury with his age, he becomes a high risk player for Sir Alex Ferguson.
That being said, when at full fitness, he is one of the English Premier League’s top defenders.
Ferdinand’s performance versus Sunderland last Saturday should give Sir Alex Ferguson confirmation of what type of performances the 33-year-old can still offer the Red Devils.
After all, he’s rated an “87” on FIFA 12 for a reason.
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