With Rio Ferdinand announcing his retirement from football, here’s a look at where the Manchester United legend ranks among the best central defenders of the Premier League era…
SEE ALSO:
Rio Ferdinand retires: Manchester United & England legend’s glittering career in pictures
Top ten FA Cup final WAGs: Hot image gallery of Arsenal & Aston Villa stunners, including Georgina Dorsett
Find out the richest Premier League owners here!
10) Vincent Kompany
He may have had a dip in form last season, but at his best Manchester City star Vincent Kompany was a real giant in the game and a real leader at the back for his club, helping them to two Premier League titles.
9) Jamie Carragher
Mr Consistent throughout a long career at Liverpool, Jamie Carragher is an underrated great of the Premier League era and deserved more caps for England.
Manchester United transfer news
8) Sami Hyypia
Another former Liverpool star, Sami Hyypia was immense at his peak and proved a great captain for Liverpool as he led them to their famous treble win in 2000/01.
7) Martin Keown
Former Arsenal hard-man Martin Keown is another of the game’s underrated greats, showing himself to be a real winner and also one of the most intelligent markers at the back.
6) Jaap Stam
Despite not being with United for that long, Jaap Stam made his mark as his superb displays helped the club to the treble in 1998/99.
5) Nemanja Vidic
Another United legend, Nemanja Vidic was rock solid at the back and enjoyed the occasional important goal as well, becoming club captain later in his Old Trafford career.
4) Tony Adams
A favourite of Arsenal fans for his commitment to the club, Tony Adams was also a great defender and captain for both the Gunners and England in a long and distinguished career at the top level.
3) Sol Campbell
An absolute powerhouse at his best, Sol Campbell maybe lacks the consistency at the top level of some of his peers, but was unplayable at his peak as he won numorous honours with Arsenal.
2) John Terry
Just behind Ferdinand in our all-time rankings, Chelsea legend John Terry only narrowly misses out for having won slightly fewer trophies in an immense career for the Blues. Still going strong at the age of 34, Terry must be one of the most consistently great defenders of the modern era.
1) Rio Ferdinand
A player who won it all with Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand is just a class above most central defenders with his smart and composed style of play, combined with an aggression and will to win that has seen clubs pay enormous transfer fees for him, though the pressure never distracted him from being the best.
