Injury problems. Shoddy defending. Indifferent form. His burgeoning interests off field. Rio Ferdinand’s season has been on the wane.
It was on display against Ukraine and since then it has gotten worse. A struggling Rio futilely pulling on Fernando Torres jersey in the Liverpool match as the Spanish striker blasts the ball past Van Der Saar. That was a statement.
He has been ruled out of the Chelsea game because of a calf injury which is convenient because he would have to defend Didier Drogba, in brutal form this season. If Torres can shrug Rio off, Drogba can easily strap him on the back and run a sub 10 second sprint towards goal. Sir Alex would have kept him on the sidelines even if fully fit as he increases Jonny Evans playing minutes.
Rio has a few things to ponder before his 31st birthday tomorrow. Maybe the MLS?