John Terry and Rio Ferdinand have been labeled the Premier League’s best-ever defenders. Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor listed the top goalies he’s faced in his career. Agbonlahor thinks Terry and Ferdinand stand out from the others because of their longevity—they maintained their peak abilities for more than ten years.
The talkSPORT commentator waxed poetic about the retired pair, praising Terry’s technical skills and Ferdinand’s terrifying pace.
John and Rio have been labeled the Premier League’s defenders.
The pair, two of England’s best center-backs of their generation, shared 11 Premier League championships and one Champions League victory between them.
Agbonlahor was also deeply influenced by a Manchester City hero who proved to be a dangerous opponent, in addition to the legendary players from Chelsea and Manchester United.
Agbonlahor also singled out a former Tottenham player whose career was marred by injury as well as a former Liverpool academy alum.
He had everything and was more assertive and intelligent than you.
When the ball arrives and you jump for a header, it sounds like a lion is approaching from behind you.
He would be saying, “Aaah,” as you headed the ball. He was filthy, abhorrent, and aggressive, taking everyone. He is undoubtedly among the top three.
Terrible, terrible, terrible defender; the kind you dread playing against; you wondered, “How am I going to get past this guy?
Even if I’m one of the Premier League’s fastest, I can’t try to knock it because he’ll make me seem bad.
“He was probably the best technical player at Aston Villa when he joined in 2017.
“Honestly, he could do kick-ups with tennis balls – he was just so technical.
“He had that left-footed ping from the left side of center-half to [Jose] Bosingwa, who was playing right-back at Chelsea.
“Pin-point passes either foot, no backlift, outstanding player.”
