England star Harry Maguire has revealed that Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand is one of the two best Premier League defenders of all time in his eyes.
Rio Ferdinand has been a big inspiration for Harry Maguire and the 47-year-old former Manchester United defender enjoyed a legendary spell at Old Trafford.
The ex-TNT Sports pundit lifted six Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy and two League Cups during his time under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Maguire narrowed his focus down to former England internationals picks, with the 33-year-old Three Lions star singling out John Terry alongside Ferdinand.
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Rio Ferdinand congratulates Roy Keane during the Barclaycard Premiership match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Elland Road in 2003 in Leeds, England.
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Harry Maguire responds to the best defender in Premier League history debate amid John Terry and Rio Ferdinand picks
John Terry played alongside Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand on the international stage and the former England captain was a key figure at Chelsea.
The 45-year-old ex-Chelsea defender captured five Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, a Europa League, five FA Cups and three League Cups.
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Alongside his major silverware haul at Old Trafford, Ferdinand also shared one of the best centre-back partnerships of all time alongside Man Utd legend Nemanja Vidic.
Speaking on the so-called Premier League ‘GOAT’ debate for defenders, Harry Maguire told Goal: “Choosing the best defender in Premier League history is such a tough question because there are a few who belong in that bracket, but I’d probably choose John Terry or Rio Ferdinand.”
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Is Rio Ferdinand Man Utd’s best defender of all time? 🐐🤔
If it is NOT Rio Ferdinand, then who is it? 🛡️🥷
Why Harry Maguire rates Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand and Chelsea icon John Terry above all other Premier League defenders
Ferdinand spent the majority of his prolific Old Trafford spell under iconic former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and briefly played under David Moyes as well.
Terry, much like Ferdinand, had a longstanding spell in the Premier League and found major success at Stamford Bridge under former Blues boss Jose Mourinho.
Former Man Utd captain Maguire insisted that Ferdinand and Terry stood out in his eyes for how long the pair continued to play at the top level in the Premier League.
“For me, it comes down to their longevity and what they won,” he added.
“To do it year after year at the highest level proves you’re a top-level defender, and those two definitely did that.”
Ferdinand retired from football in 2015 after a brief spell with Queens Park Rangers, while Terry hung up his boots in 2018 after a run with Aston Villa following his departure from Chelsea.
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