Man United legend Rio Ferdinand singles out ‘best centre-half in Premier League’ right now

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TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand has insisted that one of Manchester United’s rival players is the best centre-back in the Premier League right now.

Ferdinand has previously spoken highly of some of United’s current defenders, saying Lisandro Martinez was the league’s best defender “on form” last season.

The United legend is a big fan of Raphael Varane and even praised the former Real Madrid star’s impact at Old Trafford after his stunning initial £34m move in 2021.

However, no current United star would be considered the Premier League’s best centre-back right now in the eyes of former England defender Ferdinand.

Ferdinand has raved about Arsenal star William Saliba and praised him for his performance in the 1-0 win over Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday.

Despite his admiration for Saliba, Ferdinand believes that the 22-year-old France international is still not ahead of one current Manchester City defender.

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Ferdinand praises John Stones

Speaking on his VIBE with FIVE podcast, Ferdinand lauded John Stones for his exploits last season and still considers him the best centre-half in the league right now.

“John Stones is the best centre-half in the Premier League at the moment,” he said.

“Defensively he was going back into the back four.

“John Stones, no other centre-half in the Premier League did what John Stones did last season.

“He could be in the argument, he’s such a different player, he’s brought more to the position because he’s being asked to.

“John Stones, right now, he looks so composed with the authority he plays with.”

Stones to return for Manchester derby?

Stones came off the bench in the Arsenal defeat on the weekend and City boss Pep Guardiola will be sweating over his fitness ahead of the derby later this month.

The 29-year-old English centre-back has been trying to return to full fitness and recently return to training for City after returning from injury issues.

While Stones is making his phased return, United boss Erik ten Hag has his own injury concerns to deal with ahead of the derby at Old Trafford on 29th October.

Martinez could be out of action for up to three months due to a foot injury he suffered last season, with the United defender undergoing surgery on his right foot.

Varane was ruled out of action for United’s 2-1 win over Brentford on Saturday, but Ten Hag insisted that the 30-year-old defender was suffering from a “minor issue.”

Ten Hag has seen further injury devastation to his United backline, with the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw and Sergio Reguilon all sidelined.