Fabio Capello - You've been merked

Sunday's draw with Chelsea brought some welcome relief to our early season ‘go slow’ and offered a blueprint to teams hoping to stop Chelsea’s attacking juggernaut. It was also pleasing to see Ronnie back with his nonchalant and seemingly immortal persona. For me though, the game raised questions which have been lingering for the past 18 months.

Why isn’t Rio Ferdinand England's captain?

Why isn’t Rio Ferdinand United's captain?

Who are these crackpots who claim John Terry is better than Rio?

Is Rio better than JT, or is it me doing my bitter United fan rant again?

Having marshalled the Premiership’s best defence last season, Rio was arguably our second most important player behind Ronaldo. Since losing out on the England captaincy to John Terry, Rio has been in imperious form, totally out-shining JT on Sunday and for the past couple of seasons.

Rio invariably seems to miss out on the adulation and praise he deserves. Having sorted out his concentration problems, overcome the missed drug test furore and fulfilled his huge potential he should surely be the long term captain for both club and country.

For England, John Terry rarely seems to be this man mountain he is portrayed as. Lacking pace and class, too often he has to be bailed out by Ferdinand for England or Carvalho for Chelsea.  His heading ability and bravery can only be admired, but come on, he is no Rio Ferdinand.   

For United, Rio is Mr Reliable and should be our captain. As much as Gary Neville and Giggsy are absolute legends, their impact and appearances are slowly petering out. Currently, Rio as a centre back is peerless. Would Rio be seen rugby tackling Jo? Would he have been caught in such a position? Would he grab cards out of referee’s hands? The answer to all of the above………. No!

To suggest that John Terry, the man who appeared to blow his nose (to put it kindly) on Tevez (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=hWsRE-_KtPk) should be the captain of our country is ludicrous.
 
Perhaps Capello has studied what is attribute above all else is necessary to become an England legend – what is that I hear you ask? Of course like many England players before him, John Terry has the tremendous ability to miss a penalty when it matters most.

John Terry as England captain, I think Fabio Capello has been merked……

Craig Malpas