Rio Ferdinand Claims Defender Manchester United Let Go Was Better Than John Terry
Rio Ferdinand, one of the most respected defenders in Premier League history, has made a bold claim about a former Manchester United teammate. Speaking to Mail Sport, Ferdinand suggested that Raphael Varane, a player United parted ways with in the summer of 2024, was better than Chelsea legend John Terry. This opinion is significant, considering Ferdinand's own legendary status as a centre-back, and his deep knowledge of the position.
Ferdinand's comments come as part of an ongoing debate about the best defenders in the modern era. While Terry’s career at Chelsea was filled with triumph, making him one of the most successful centre-backs of his generation, Varane’s accolades are equally impressive, if not more in some respects. Varane, who spent a long spell at Real Madrid before moving to Old Trafford, won multiple Champions League titles and even lifted a World Cup with France.
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On the other hand, Terry was more synonymous with Premier League success and longevity. His resilience and leadership in the heart of Chelsea's defense earned him legendary status. He made 761 appearances for Chelsea, whereas Varane, despite his exceptional career, played only 480 club games. When comparing their international achievements, Varane again has the edge with his World Cup win, while Terry’s greatest international accomplishment was a runner-up finish in the 2004 European Championship with England.
However, Ferdinand has pointed out that, when it comes to their playing style, Varane stands out as the more elegant defender. Known for his composure on the ball and ability to read the game, Varane is often praised for his modern approach to defending. Terry, on the other hand, was more traditional, relying on his tough tackling and no-nonsense defensive style.
While Terry’s longevity and influence in the Premier League make him an icon of English football, Varane’s success in Spain and internationally places him in a very different, more globally recognized category. Ferdinand’s assessment highlights how the nature of defending has evolved, with players like Varane embodying a more sophisticated, technical approach.
Ultimately, both players will go down as two of the best defenders of the 21st century, but it’s clear that Ferdinand’s view is that Varane’s achievements and playing style might just have the edge over Terry’s.
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