The title says it all.
I don't think there is another center back who has been so dominant over the last 20 years in the league.
The way he has come back from a career threatening injury and still has performed really well especially since December is extraordinary.
Cast your minds on the first half of the season where we were shipping goals left right and center. Since December it has looked a lot stable and that is mostly due to him.
I don't think any CB in the last 20 years has had this kind of a dominant influence.
You can name Ferdinand, Adams Campbell, Terry, Bruce, Pallister, Hypiia, King etc but imo none of them were close to being the influence and quality over a consistent period of time like Vidic.
I genuinely believe that had we won the 2011 CL, Vidic should have been awarded the Ballon D'or. Pre-injury he was the best center back in the world for a consistent period of time.
People say replacing Giggs, Scholes or even going by those idiotic reports Rooney is going to be tough. Well replacing Vidic after a few years is going to be as difficult. Lets hope Jones turns out to be good.
That performance against Everton after the 6-1 still brings shivers down my spine. If only he was fit for "that" game.
Vidic Is The Greatest PL Era Center Back
posted on 9/3/13
TPNM,
Well, can't say fairer than that.
Those where the days. From Neal as you mention to Hansen and Steve Nicol and a few before that. Like yourselved for a while now, churned out great defenders over and again and Rafael now looks quite the part.
It's no secret, to build great teams you start from the back and we've both been privileged in that respect.
posted on 9/3/13
*yourselves
posted on 9/3/13
VC and TGM, the article said Premier League era, remember.
Pallister was a beast of a man and unfortunately had to deal with a variety of injuries.
It's still Rio for me, a superb defender who has been consistent for a decade. Superb centre back
posted on 9/3/13
Ledley King played just about his entire career with an injury, and was better than any of the above
posted on 9/3/13
Ledley King was a poor mans Campbell
posted on 9/3/13
Rio was good but Vidic is better.
posted on 9/3/13
No one is mentioning Titus Bramble
posted on 9/3/13
Rio was world class.
He is the best defender in utds history and has been for a decade.
By clear distance at 34 he is still out best defender.
Stam was better than vidic.
Not that vidic isn't top class.
posted on 9/3/13
Stretty and I agreeing again
Call the police!!
posted on 9/3/13
Called! I am now in custody!