Rio Ferdinand has displayed competent leadership skills this season for Manchester United in the absence of Gary Neville. The centreback has been in exceptional form all season long, and has proved to everyone he is a proficient leader both on and off the pitch.
With Gary Neville finally fit, but struggling to break into the first team, the captain’s armband has seen its share of bearers this season. Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes, and even Cristiano Ronaldo have all worn the armband on at least one occasion this season.
But with Giggs playing one of his last seasons for the club, Ferdinand would be a perfect long-term captain for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
Today's Must Reads
The England international’s form and leadership skills have been so impressive this season that England boss Fabio Capello decided to hand the United centreback the captain’s armband, shunning the experienced pair of John Terry and Steven Gerrard.
For some, wearing the captain’s armband brings an additional amount of pressure, but for Rio Ferdinand, it has no effect on the way he prepares for a game.
“If you change what you do just because you become captain, then you won’t get the best out of yourself,” Ferdinand explained.
“The way you prepare for a game shouldn’t be dictated by whether or not you have an extra piece of cloth on your arm.
"You just go out and do what you normally do. That’s what’s won you the captaincy in the first place, so why change it?”
Well, whatever Ferdinand does, he shouldn’t change anything because he’s in magnificent form, and is an ideal skipper for his club and country. Keep it up, Rio.
comments (5) write a comment »
write a new comment
3 months ago
For United maybe, but for England hell naa..
And Capello didnt hand him the captaincy, he tried him out, ts highly unlikely that he'll br given arm band for England
3 months ago
''The England international’s form and leadership skills have been so impressive this season that England boss Fabio Capello decided to hand the United centreback the captain’s armband, shunning the experienced pair of John Terry and Steven Gerrard.''
Sorry Jeff but thats complete drivel. Capello has stated on several occasions that he is sharing the captaincy around before making a final decision on who should be his captain. Gerrard was captain for his first game in February, Ferdinand against France in March. England have two games coming up in the next few weeks when two more players will be given the arm-band, probably Barry and Terry fitness permitting, or possibly Rooney.
Ferdinand MIGHT get the nod long term when Capello chooses in August/September, but he hasn't been given anything yet, and Terry and Gerrard have certainly not been 'shunned'.
3 months ago
Definitly deseverd it for United this season.One of his best and consistant performances all season and a true leader.
If he gets it or not for England doesn't bother me. Its his Manchester United career that im keepin an eye on. He has proved himself as a top centre back and a giant within United. He's the ultimate modern centre back. Deserves to be captain. But Rooney is future captain, no doubt...
3 months ago
I'll have to agree with Keith. Not really concerned with what happens on the international team.
He would be an excellent successor to Neville as captain of United.
3 months ago
There's no doubt in my mind that he should be captain for Manchester United. But I also think he would make a good captain for England as well. He's been one of England's top performers for a long time now and he deserves the armband just as much as anyone else. When Capello does finally choose a permanent captain, I think it ought to be Rio.
write a new comment