subject: Reckless Soccer Star Rio Ferninand [print this page] The image of Rio Ferdinand casually watching the ball and then Carlos Tevez zipping from behind him to chase the ball, ultimately resulting in a goal remains in mind even weeks after. As if that was not bad enough, a foolishly casual pass saw a another goal gifted to the visiting Manchester City. The cause for complaint has even extended to the national team where in the match against Ukraine, he was again culpable in the sending off of team mate Robert Green. What in name of everything good is wrong with Rio Ferdinand?
Well, that question is obviously for those who believe that there is something wrong because the man at the center of the case doesn't believe that anything is amiss. In a recent interview with the Sunday Mirror, he was emphatic in stating that he is not interested in proving anyone wrong; he just needs to play more games in order to get back into rhythm.
I would like to agree with him but then, he has performed some reckless blunders on a rather consistent basis of late. The trouble has not been a blip or two in his game but an uncomfortable consistency in making costly errors. Unfortunately, he seems to have gotten to the limit with the two men who matter; Sir Alex Ferguson and Fabio Cappello. While Sir Alex has decided that Jonny Evans will now get the nod ahead of Ferdinand, Cappello might just decide to exercise his options in the England squad also.
The possible cause was exposed tacitly by Sir Alex in an interview recently where he stated that there has always been a casual part to Ferdinand's game right from childhood and although it has served him well sometimes, it has been his undoing at other times. He definitely needs more games but if Ferdinand continues to make costly mistakes, then he might find himself out of a spot not just at club but also country.
It is good however, to see that Ferdinand has a pretty positive attitude to the entire issue. He has put it all down to his injuries and inability to get sufficient games under his belt. Hmm... but then he has made it a point to make these kind of mistakes every now and then, even when he has more than enough games beneath his belt. This is to take nothing away from him; he is a world class defender but that tag alone won't get him a spot. Consistently good performance will.
The competition for places is hot and mangers have to win. This is no time for recklessness Rio!
