Barcelona legend Gerard Pique has named his former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand as the best defender to have graced the Premier League.
Pique, who watched Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic dominate in the United backline, also spoke highly of how Ferdinand advised and influenced him during the early stages of his career.
The Spaniard chose Ferdinand over Chelsea legend John Terry, whom many regard as one of the best defenders of the Premier League era.
Speaking to The Boot Room, Pique said, “I consider him [Ferdinand] also, some people say John Terry, for me, Rio was the best of all time in the Premier League, at least from what I saw. On the pitch, he was incredible. He always performs at a very high level.”
Pique’s statement adds to the numerous accolades Ferdinand has already received during and after his playing career, cementing his status as one of the greatest defenders to ever grace the Premier League.