- Vidic won five PL titles at Man Utd
- Regarded as one of the world’s best defenders
- Tottenham and Arsenal stars among his favourite picks
.png?w=640&ssl=1)
WHAT HAPPENED?
England’s top flight has seen a surge of defensive talent arrive in recent years and legend of the game Vidic has listed his favourites as the season comes to a close. The former United man forged a formidable partnership with Rio Ferdinand during his playing days and admits he has been impressed with a few top talents this year.
WHAT VIDIC SAID SAID
Speaking to The Times, the Serbian said: “The best defenders now? I like talking about the young ones. Micky van de Ven [at Tottenham Hotspur]. He’s fast, strong and good in the air, and has capabilities to really improve.
“The two from Arsenal [William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes] are doing well. Watching them, I feel they like defending and want the clean sheet. I like the mentality they show. And they are a partnership. That is important. Arsenal, this season, have not been conceding many goals and the situation when they went to City and didn’t concede — that was a statement of Arsenal as a team.”
.png?resize=640%2C360&ssl=1)
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Vidic’s reputation in the modern game is exceptional, so earning praise from someone who was showered in silverware during his playing days is a real honour. Van de Ven, Gabriel and Saliba have all been superb for their clubs this season and still have a lot of time left in their careers to develop and establish a legacy similar to Vidic.
WHAT NEXT FOR VAN DE VEN, GABRIEL AND SALIBA?
Gabriel and Saliba are still in with a chance of winning the Premier League but must beat Vidic’s former club at Old Trafford to keep their hopes alive. While Arsenal fight for the top honour, Van de Ven will focus on helping Tottenham secure a place in Europe next season and could have an influence on the title race when Manchester City visit on Tuesday.
