Rio Ferdinand has revealed that the calm Edwin van der Sar made his job simpler at the heart of Manchester United’s defence.
The Dutchman was one of the greatest goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history and was their hero in Moscow when they beat Chelsea to lift the Champions League in 2008.
Legendary former boss Sir Alex Ferguson bought the then 34-year-old Van der Sar to Old Trafford from Fulham in 2005 and the Dutchman went on to win four Premier League titles with the club.
Van der Sar has turned 45 today and former Red Devil Ferdinand has paid tribute to the ex-Manchester United goalkeeper. The former England man revealed that the Dutchman’s calming influence at the back made a huge difference to Ferguson’s team.
Ferdinand explained that Van der Sar would always pull out an important save when Manchester United needed him the most and feels the trio of him, the Dutchman and Nemanja Vidic have permanently etched their names in the club’s history.
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Ferdinand wrote on Facebook: “What's needed to be a great keeper…shot stopping, presence, authority, organiser, good feet, mental strength, agility, there are more….but one thing Edwin had more than any keeper I ever played with was – calmness & composure.
“There was never any panic with him, he was never flustered…an aura of 'I’ve been here before, just chill guys' exuded off of him.
“For a centre back to feel that from a keeper is a comforting thing to have.
“He was not the best around at some of the things I listed above but he was very good at many and outstanding in others.
“Great players to my mind make others play better and Edwin certainly done that. He was right footed but would put the ball on his left foot and pick people out as if he was bored and wanted to test himself [I used to laugh].
“Also when Manchester United needed him he was always there…big moments, one important save to make in the game etc he was there with no fuss! The triangle of Edwin, myself & Vida will never be forgotten.”
Van der Sar is currently a director at his old club Ajax and is part of the European Clubs Association’ board.
