Pallister Praises 'Fantastic' Rio

Ex-Manchester United defender Gary Pallister has confessed his admiration for Rio Ferdinand following his commanding performance in United’s Champions League quarterfinal against Roma.

The stand-in captain was authoritative in his command of the Red Devils’ defence at the Stadio Olympico, leading his team to a clean sheet while goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney gave United a 2-0 advantage to take into the second leg at Old Trafford next week.

And Pallister was particularly impressed by Ferdinand’s showing after his partner in crime, Nemanja Vidic, was forced off the pitch through injury late in the first half.

"Rio was fantastic," said Pallister.

"I wondered how he would react after Vidic went off injured, but he was absolutely superb."

The 29-year-old England international, who captained his country for the first time last week against France, has been involved in certain off-field dramas since his ₤29.5 million transfer from Leeds in 2002. Most notable among these was his eight-month ban for failing to appear at a routine drug test.

But Pallister believes that Ferdinand has matured markedly in his time at Old Trafford, developing true leadership qualities that make him a prime candidate to captain both club and country.

"Rio bosses the back four now," he said. "That's why he was captain against Roma and why Fabio Capello made him England captain.

"It's something he does a lot more now. At the start of his United career he didn't really do that.
"I think Gary Neville's absence has meant that he has had to come forwrad. Gary not being in the team has seen Rio come out of his shell." (*)


source: goal.com