Emmanuel Adebayor: “Vidic was the tough man, the nastiest, like running into a rock. He could block a striker with a single finger. He walks on you, he says sorry, he kicks you, he says sorry. This guy was ready to kill.”
Robin van Persie: “When I think of him as a footballer, Nemanja puts his head where other players are scared to put their feet. That’s Nemanja."
Jamie Carragher: “My type of defender. Liverpool tried to buy him in January 2006, but our loss was United’s gain. I’d have loved to have played alongside him and I’m sure we could have formed a solid partnership. He loves defending and putting his head in where it hurts.”
Diogo Dalot: "Nemanja Vidic as a “top player” who surpasses all of his rivals."
Michael Carrick: “Vida, simply the best out-and-out defender I’ve seen. Aggression and desire to win at all costs, scared centre-forwards to death!”
Player Profile:
Name: Nemanja Vidić
Age: 42 (Born: October 21, 1981)
Height: 1.90m
Position: Center-Back
Preferred Foot: Right
Place of Birth: Titovo Užice, Serbia
Citizenship: Serbia
Style of Play:
Vidić epitomizes the quintessential tough-as-nails defender, renowned for his physicality, bravery, and defensive astuteness. Labeled as a "no-nonsense" center-back, he instills fear in opposition forwards with his uncompromising challenges and unwavering commitment to winning duels. His strength, aerial prowess, and leadership qualities make him a stalwart in defense, capable of thwarting attacks with precision timing and resolute defending.
Despite lacking pace in later years, Vidić compensates with impeccable positioning and decision-making, showcasing his ability to read the game and nullify threats with expert anticipation. His partnership with Rio Ferdinand at Manchester United became legendary, blending Vidić's rugged style with Ferdinand's finesse to form one of the most formidable defensive duos in football history.
Achievements:
FIFA FIFPro World XI: 2009, 2011
Premier League Player of the Season: 2008–09, 2010–11
PFA Team of the Year: 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11
Premier League: 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2012–13
Football League Cup: 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10
FA Community Shield: 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013
FIFA Club World Cup: 2008
ESM Team of the Year: 2006–07, 2008–09, 2010–11
UEFA Champions League: 2007–08
Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year: 2008–09
Manchester United Players' Player of the Year: 2008–09
Best Sportsman of SD Crvena Zvezda: 2002
Serbia's Overseas Player of the Year: 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010
Serbian Footballer of the Year: 2005, 2008
Nemanja Vidić's legacy as a defensive titan transcends accolades, epitomizing the essence of resilience, determination, and leadership in football's toughest arena.
Find the link here: www.msport.com/ng?KPP
