Born: 7/11/78
Nationality: English
Club: Manchester United

Rio Ferdinand brought a new way of playing to English defenders and that is playing the ball out the back. Seems so simple now, but Rio Ferdinand has always had the ability of a midfielder, but plays in defence and has become one of the most respected defenders in world football. Ferdinand’s pace, ball play, positioning and leadership is one of the best in the world, and has been so successful in his football career. Ferdinand has broken records with defensive partner Nemanja Vidic in terms of clean sheets, but broken records including transfer fees for a defender, and is one of the highest paid footballers in England. Rio Ferdinand has been arguably the most decorated defender for England in the last 10 years.

Rio Ferdinand has played in the Premier League his whole career. He started at West Ham where he came through a successful youth system. His appearances for West Ham got his name mentioned for England squads. He joined Leeds in 2000 for a record British transfer fee of £18million, and he would break his own record when he moved to Manchester United in 2002. Since being at United, he has developed his playing style and regarded as one of the best defenders in the last 10 years. He has won the Champions League once, whilst winning the Premier League on 4 occasions too. Rio Ferdinand will have one huge regret in his career though, and this took place in 2003 where he missed a drugs test and was banned from all football competitions for 8 months, including the European Champions in Portugal in 2004.

Ferdinand has great ability on the ball and some of his long range passing is fantastic. He often brings the ball out of defence and starts the move up. He hasn’t been a goal scorer in his career, even for defender standards, but his defending cannot be disputed. Ferdinand has always been passionate for his playing career, and has captained England and Manchester United on several occasions. He is a leader off the pitch as well as on it, as he has many campaigns including his no racism campaign. His twitter account is one of the most viewed in terms of sports man and is an idol for young footballers. Ferdinand, at the age of 32, has still got a few years left in him, although his fitness at times has been questioned, but Manchester United should enjoy his services, and he will continue to be part of one of the toughest defences in the world.