Name any top player in the world and Manchester United and England star Rio Ferdinand will have played against him. More than that, he'll have stopped him.
Big or small, quick or slow, powerful or tricky, Ferdinand has seen them all. So we asked him for the benefit of his experience.
The result is the kind of insight that we guarantee will improve the game of any budding centre-half. Or long-in-the-tooth centre-half. Or in fact, any player in any position.
Watch the video to learn from one of the modern game's greatest defenders.
As part of Nike’s The Chance initiative, a global search for young football talent, Rio has been helping to toughen up the four UK finalists ahead of The Chance world finals to be held in London, January 19-22. 100 players from around the world will take part in the finals and eight will be selected to play for the Nike Academy full time from next season.
Rio enlisted the help of James Milner, Ashley Cole and Aaron Lennon to help ‘mentor’ the four UK hopefuls. To follow their progress visit www.facebook.com/nikefootball
Recommended for you:
Richards: Dealing with different types of attacker
Tricky or tall, it’s no problem
Rio: The thinking man's guide to defending
Rio: Playing out from the back
Rio: My pre-match playlist
Rio: When to hit row z
Rio: Communicating with your team-mates
Rise above the attack
‘Ruben Amorim could have waited for Real Madrid and had a better chance to be successful – to have joined Manchester United, he must be convinced in his own ability’ Former Old Trafford coach’s verdict on new boss
‘After Manchester City’s recent form, maybe they’re the underdogs against Manchester United!’ Former Red Devils defender on this weekend’s derby
