Edwin van der Sar admitted that one Premier League legend was “right on top” of former Manchester United teammates Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
During his prolific spell at Old Trafford, Edwin van der Sar lifted four Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy and two League Cups under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Sir Alex Ferguson brought the 54-year-old Manchester United legend to Old Trafford in 2005 after he was signed from Fulham.
Van der Sar made 266 appearances for the Red Devils and the Dutchman is widely regarded as one of United’s best shot-stoppers of all time.
The former United No 1 played a pivotal role in the Red Devils’ success, including saving the winning penalty in the 2008 Champions League final against Chelsea.
Van der Sar called it time on his legendary playing career in 2011 and bowed out of Old Trafford after making a lasting mark for United.
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AFC Ajax Amsterdam legend goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar participates in the match between Ajax Legends and Real Madrid Legends at the Johan Cruijff ...
Photo by Stefan Koops / EYE4images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Van der Sar on tough opponent he faced
Despite his incredible ability as a shot-stopper, Edwin van der Sar benefited from the impervious defensive partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
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Both Ferdinand and Vidic were linchpin defensive figures under Sir Alex Ferguson and the pair are considered one of the best centre-back partnerships of all time.
Vidic arrived at Old Trafford in 2006 and the 43-year-old United legend lifted five Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy and three League Cups.
Ferdinand, much like Vidic, hoovered up the silverware at Old Trafford and he captured six Premier League titles, a Champions League and two League Cups.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Van der Sar said that he found Didier Drogba to be “tough” to play against and the Chelsea legend was a “pain” to deal with on the pitch.
“For example, I had a great conversation with Didier Drogba,” he explained.
“When we were playing, he was. He always scored. He was right on top of Rio [Ferdinand] and Vida [Nemanja Vidic].
“He’s tough, but you talk to him for half an hour or 40 minutes about his ambition to be president of the Football Federation of his country. He’s a great, gentle guy.”
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Van der Sar on legends match
Van der Sar crossed paths with a roster of star-studded legends during a legends match in Seoul Korea, including Clarence Seedorf and Andrea Pirlo.
The former Ajax and Juventus star admitted that he enjoyed the different mood that a legends match offers compared to playing competitive football as a player.
“Sometimes I tell my friends what I really missed, maybe just on a small pitch and kick some balls for 30 metres and just play football,” Van der Sar said.
“To do that again with players that you respected, that you played with, that you played against.”
Van der Sar added: “When you’re playing, the only thing you have to do is work for yourself, work for your club, score for your club, perform at the highest level.
“The opponent does the same thing, otherwise it’s not top level. On that part, it’s great to have more time now to have those conversations in a very respectful manner, compared to whatever head-to-head when you’re a player.”
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