Memory and concentration lapses overcome, now a class act at the back for club and country-RIIIIIO
It’s been a long and occasionally controversial road to the top for Rio Ferdinand, but he can now claim to be one of the finest defenders in the world.
Quick, cool-headed and able to stride into midfield to start moves, he has justified the record £30m Alex Ferguson paid for him in 2002.
Having impressed as a youngster with West Ham and Leeds, Ferdinand struggled with form and injury in his first season, and in 2003 received an eight-month ban for missing a drugs test.
Since returning from suspension, however: he has gained the club (and occasionally country) captaincy as United have scooped numerous trophies.