Taylor pays tribute to United defence
Nemanja Vidic is one of the favourites for the top prize
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Tuesday, 14, Apr 2009 09:07
PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor has paid tribute to the Manchester United defensive trio of Edwin van der Sar, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
The trio have all been nominated for the PFA Player of the Year after a dominant defensive display for United this season, which saw them achieve a record 14 clean-sheets and only concede 21 goals in 31 league games.
Talking about Ferdinand, Taylor said: "When I think how many do fall by the wayside with very promising careers, he has really fulfilled it and done that despite the problems he has had.
"You talk about strikers working together, it is the same with centre-backs, and the two (Ferdinand and Vidic) together have a really good understanding.
"When Vidic came through he looked strong and brave but he looked quite raw, he was a real rough diamond. That diamond has become very polished and he has become one of the very finest defenders in the world.
"It is quite remarkable really. To have such a record of clean sheets was absolutely fabulous. He (van der Sar) is calm, he is cool and he is composed. He has been one of the best ever goalkeepers we have seen."
Fellow United favourite Ryan Giggs was also nominated for the top award alongside Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard. While youngsters Rafael and Jonny Evans have been nominated for the Young Player of the Year award.