Over the past few years Rio Ferdinand and Jamie Carragher have consistently been in the top 5 central defenders in the Premier League. In fact, I make Rio the best bar none for the past 5 years. I watched two games this weekend and Ferdinand and Carragher both looked as though the landlord was getting ready to call time at the bar.
Ferdinand seemed to be moving awkwardly all through the game yesterday. He was never at his fluent best and his was a very rusty performance. I know it was only his second game of the season because of injury but the injuries seem to be coming thick and fast for Rio. He spent the last few months of the previous season on and off the pitch and was touch and go for the Champions League final.
I hope it isn’t true. Rio instantly became a favourite of mine when he started making his way for West Ham all those years ago. His assurance at the back, his reading of the play and his pace shone like a beacon. He was so graceful and could play anywhere across the back and occasionally, in midfield. He was prone to the odd lapse of concentration in his younger days but rectified this as he matured. His error yesterday that nearly cost United the game was a throwback to those old West Ham days when his concentration would occasionally lapse.
Lot’s of people band John Terry’s name around as the best central defender in the country.
I would agree that Terry is a proper old fashioned centre half and would be someone you would love to have in your defence because you know he will back you all the way and throw himself in front of everything. I do think though, that Terry is limited in his attributes. Ferdinand has them all. I really hope we are not seeing the decline of one of my favourite footballers and he will be back to his imperious best come South Africa in June next year.
As for Carragher, well let’s just say I am not a big fan of the bloke. He is a good player and has consistently produced the goods for Liverpool over the past five years or so. However, I think his attitude towards playing for his country is a disgrace and is one whose view of the world is fogged by a scouse sense of injustice.
I was at Upton Park on Saturday and time definitely looks to be catching up with him. Carlton Cole smashed him off the ball numerous times. Little Zavon Hines, making his debut for West Ham, ran circles around him. Indeed, Carragher was guilty of a couple of very poor mistakes, His first in the second minute when he was caught in possession and the ball arrived at Hines feet with only Reina to beat. Beat him he did but he struck the post. Later in the first half, Hines took Carragher on and beat him on the outside as he ran in to the box. Carragher sent Hines sprawling and it was a penalty. I don’t think Carragher could have any complaints.
What must be worrying for him and Liverpool fans is the way he was given such a torrid time by a 20 year old making his second start for the Hammers and Cole. Liverpool conceded again at a set-piece and they look vulnerable every time they have to defend a set piece. Is time catching up with Jamie and Rio? I couldn’t care less about Carrgaher but let us all hope that Rio can defy the years for a few more seasons yet.
