Manchester United defender Phil Jones believes Rio Ferdinand was one of the great centre halves of his generation.
Ferdinand was one of the pillars of the Manchester United side that Jones joined in 2011 from Blackburn Rovers and the current England defender has revealed the tricks of the trade he learned from the former Red Devil, while playing together in defence.
The 23-year-old defender has admitted that he enjoyed playing with Ferdinand because the former England man was a great communicator on the pitch and he learned a lot playing alongside the defensive stalwart for Manchester United.
Jones told the club’s official website: “Playing alongside him was great.
“The thing I remember most is that he never shut up!
"As a young kid growing up and trying to establish yourself in the team, you couldn’t ask for anyone better to learn from.
"He always helped you and talked to you about where you needed to be. He made sure he made life easier for you out on the pitch.
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“It’s something that fans and maybe other players didn’t see, but I saw it and it was a big help.”
Jones also revealed that Ferdinand was a wonderful character inside the dressing room, but also conceded that when it came to games, the former defender was a thorough professional, which made him a Manchester United great.
The young defender also feels that his former Manchester United colleague was one of the best centre halves of his generation.
“He was a big character in the dressing room and a joker. But when it got serious he got serious too. When it was down to business, he meant business! He’s got to be up there with the greats we’ve had at this club.
“His leadership qualities, his calmness and his overall game were top class. When he was at his peak he was one of the best in the world, if not the best.”
Ferdinand made 451 appearances for Manchester United, winning six Premier League titles and a Champions League crown amongst various other honours.
