Rio Ferdinand knows a thing or two about defending, having played for Manchester United at the peak of his powers, winning all manner of trophies anchoring the Red Devils from the back.
Ferdinand was no brute either, and the strongest part of his game was always his class on the ball which allowed him to slot into good footballing sides without looking out of place.
The two defenders he named as the Premier League’s best are very much in the same mould, with both Toby Alderweireld of Tottenham and and Laurent Koscielny looking every inch as classy as Rio on the pitch.
Speaking on BT Sport last night ahead of Tottenham’s game win over CSKA, Ferdinand picked out the North London pair as his favourites in the division.
It’s hard to argue that the two are exceptional players, but some might think it unfair that Chelsea’s back line didn’t get at least a nod. David Luiz has been perhaps the best defender in the league since his return on deadline day, and one would imagine that if he continues this form for another year Rio would be hard pressed to justify his exclusion.