5 Rio Ferdinand
Despite struggling with injury in recent times, Rio Ferdinand is arguably one of the world's best central defenders.
Ferdinand was a product of the West Ham United academy, as he made over 100 appearances for the London-based club.
After winning the Hammer of the Year award at the tender age of just 19, Ferdinand was then signed by an ambitious Leeds United side for what was a British transfer record fee of £18-million.
In just his second season at Elland Road, Ferdinand was handed the captaincy in-place of South African defender Lucas Radebe.
In the 2002 World Cup, Ferdinand impressed in front of the watching world and Leeds, due to their perilous financial situation were forced to accept a £29.1-million bid from Manchester United.
At Manchester United Ferdinand has come into his own, and is now ranked as one of the world's best defenders.
