Rio Ferdinand has suggested that Manchester City has one defender in their lineup whom he considers to be better than himself.
Rio Ferdinand is a Premier League legend, who started as centre-back for Manchester United for 12 years in the Sir Alex Ferguson era. Ferdinand is amongst the most successful players in the Premier League history. The 45-year old has won 6 Premier League trophies with the Red Devils.
Moreover, the defender has clinched the UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup in 2008. Additionally, Ferdinand has added 2 EFL Cups and 4 FA Community Shields to his domestic success.
Ferdinand has won a place in the Premier League team of the Year 6 times and was also a part of the FIFPro World XI in 2008. Furthermore, he was inducted in the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2023.
The legendary center back went on to make 790 appearances in his illustrious career. Many regard the 45-year old as one of the finest English center backs ever. Despite his incredible achievements, it is surprising to hear that Ferdinand considers someone better than him. Especially, a Manchester City player at that, Manchester United’s biggest rival.
Ferdinand ranks Manchester City’s John Stones highly
In a recent video shared on a popular social media handle, Ferdinand had to pick between players for England from 2000’s team and the current Three Lions roster.
John Stones has been invaluable for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. The 30-year old has almost equalized Ferdinand’s success. Stones is good to go for at least another 5 years. Moreover, if the defender manages to evade injuries, he may end up finishing his career as one of the most successful English center backs. The English international also signed a new contract with Manchester City until 2026.
The fact that Rio Ferdinand chose Manchester City defender over him despite having quite a decorated career himself shows how highly he regards the 30-year old Englishman.
What makes John Stones so good? What are his contributions for Manchester City?
Stones is a technically sound player with a good physical presence. Furthermore, his role as a ball playing center back is rather commendable. His defensive skills are second to none. Additionally, his composure on the ball is praiseworthy. Moreover, his range of passing coupled with his versatility and vision only enhances his ball playing centre-back role.
Stones is calm and level-headed. Also, his fluidity makes him even more invaluable for Pep Guardiola. Stones would often play as a part of the back four when City wouldn’t be on the ball. Moreover, he would join forces with Rodri as a holding midfielder when City would be in possession. Stones would help in effective movement of the ball and help penetrating the opposition.
Stones delivered one of his best ever performances in the Champions League Final 2023 completing most number of dribbles in the final and aiding City’s journey to the historic 2023 treble.
The 30-year old center back has enjoyed immense success at the Etihad. The English international has won 6 Premier League titles, 2 FA Cups, 2 EFL Cups and 2 FA Community Shields domestically. Additionally, Stones has won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup with Manchester City.
Moreover, he has been a part of the PFA Team of the Year twice, ESM Team of the Year in 2021 and UEFA Champions League Team of the Season in 2023. However, Stones’ inclusion in the FIFA FIFPRO Men’s World 11 in 2023 remains his greatest individual achievement. Considering everything, no wonder Ferdinand speaks highly of the 30-year old Manchester City defender.
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