Rio Ferdinand

[Brendocon]

So I woke up this morning to have the radio telling me that Rio's agent was demanding that Man Utd give him a contract suited to the "best defender in the world."

Now, perhaps unsurprisingly, my initial sleepy reaction was "what the hell has Fabio Cannavaro got to do with any of it?"

I now admit that, had I been awake, I would have probably said Alex Nesta, but the principle remains the same.

What I mean is... in your view, who is the Best Defender in the World (TM)? Because in mine, it ain't Rio...

[Obfleur]

Michael Svensson...

Seriously though: Some random italian dude. Cannavaro, Nesta, Maldini (okey, a few years ago ).
Gianluca Zambrotta - he plays left back sometimes I think? Fantastic footballer though.

[Brendocon]

Michael Svensson...

Ye gads we've ******* missed him this season.

I'm absolutely terrified of our remaining games... if we go down then I'm not sure he'll stick around, fit or not...

[snarl]

I think...

John Terry.

[snarl]

Zambrotta is also the dogs - he's not defo a defender though is he? he could play anywhere on the flanks, not sure what you'd tag him as.

I think Terry is better then the top Italians tbh.

[Obfleur]

Zambrotta is also the dogs - he's not defo a defender though is he? he could play anywhere on the flanks, not sure what you'd tag him as.

He's like a defensive midfielder with a hint of defender - mixed with "lets just run everywhere" or something.

I'm absolutely terrified of our remaining games... if we go down then I'm not sure he'll stick around, fit or not...

And Anders Svensson is going back to Sweden (a really big thing for us).

[Impactor returns 2.0]

Rio ferdinand.

Hes a modern defender, reads the game well, and has great skill on the ball.

To be honest tho, I think AC milian have some pretty **** hot defenders.

[Autobloke]

who is the Best Defender in the World (TM)?

The Phantom.
...
Sorry, I thought you meant 'Defender of the Earth'.

[Brendocon]

And Anders Svensson is going back to Sweden (a really big thing for us).

Yeah, I've got mixed feelings about seeing Anders go. He's shown that he can be absolute quality on his day, but he's never really settled into the style of play properly.

I'm sad to see him go, but at the same time he never made a big enough impact for me to say we'll miss him.

No ill will towards him for going, though. He was about the only player pulling his weight at the beginning of the season, but the club decided not to offer him a new contract.

Apparantly Mikael Nilsson might be on his way back to Sweden in the summer, too. Whilst there's a whole list of players I'd kick out the door at the moment, Nilsson isn't on it...

[Legion]

who is the Best Defender in the World (TM)?

The Phantom.
...
Sorry, I thought you meant 'Defender of the Earth'.

[Jetfire]

Best defender. Overall as, a full back, Ashley Cole.

Otherwise a central defender is a different beast.

There isn't one at the moment.

[snarl]

Hmm.... you been on the crack again recently?

Ashley Cole is very good... but best defender in the world?

I've seen several wingers make him look a total bitch - Castalan V Holland for example?

Rio - makes mistakes from time to time. Terry is England's best defender right now, no question imo. Quick, exceptional leader + You name a bigger threat from a set piece in England.

You cannot.

[Impactor returns 2.0]

Id say Rio is a more complete 'footballer' then Terry. hes know for his skill on the ball.

As for Left back, Uniteds Henzie has been pretty damm good this year.

[snarl]

Both are very good on the ball - Terry's more dangerous/direct going forward in my opinion, Rio's just known for it more.

[Impactor returns 2.0]

for a short guy hes headed quite few corners in for Chelski.

Rio hasnt scored 1 yet, tho hes never allowed forward much off set plays.