Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has stirred debate by naming four Liverpool players in his Premier League Team of the Season (2024-25) so far. Speaking on his YouTube channel Rio Ferdinand Presents, the football icon highlighted the exceptional performances of Liverpool stars Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, and Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool’s Dominance in the 2024-25 Premier League
Liverpool has been a dominant force under new manager Arne Slot, sitting comfortably at the top of the league, eight points clear of second-placed Nottingham Forest with a game in hand. Ferdinand credited Liverpool’s stellar form to their consistency and star players, who have been pivotal in their campaign.
The Reds’ defensive solidity was emphasized with the inclusion of Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk in Ferdinand’s back four, alongside Arsenal’s William Saliba and Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella. In midfield, Gravenberch’s dynamic displays earned him a spot, while Salah’s attacking brilliance saw him lead the front line alongside Erling Haaland, Bukayo Saka, and Cole Palmer.
Rio Ferdinand’s Full Team of the Season So Far
Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal)
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), William Saliba (Arsenal), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)
Midfielders: Moises Caicedo (Chelsea), Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Attackers: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Rio Ferdinand on Arne Slot vs. Enzo Maresca for Manager of the Season
While praising Liverpool’s success under Arne Slot, Ferdinand surprised fans by naming Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca as his manager of the season so far. According to Ferdinand, Maresca’s transformation of Leicester City from “a circus” to serious competitors has been more impactful than Slot’s achievements at Liverpool.
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Owen Hargreaves, who appeared on the podcast, disagreed, arguing Slot’s leadership in both the Premier League and Champions League puts him ahead. However, Ferdinand stood firm, defending his view.
Fans React to Rio Ferdinand’s Selections
Ferdinand’s omission of any Manchester United players raised eyebrows among fans, but his fair assessment of rivals Liverpool drew praise for its impartiality. The debate over manager of the season also sparked discussions, highlighting the competitive nature of this year’s Premier League campaign.
As the 2024-25 season progresses, Rio Ferdinand remains a prominent voice in football analysis, offering thought-provoking insights into the game.